1
|
Boutros A, Croce E, Ferrari M, Gili R, Massaro G, Marconcini R, Arecco L, Tanda ET, Spagnolo F. The treatment of advanced melanoma: Current approaches and new challenges. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104276. [PMID: 38295889 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, advances in melanoma treatment have renewed patient hope. This comprehensive review emphasizes the evolving treatment landscape, particularly highlighting first-line strategies and the interplay between immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted therapies. Ipilimumab plus nivolumab has achieved the best median overall survival, exceeding 70 months. However, the introduction of new ICIs, like relatlimab, has added complexity to first-line therapy decisions. Our aim is to guide clinicians in making personalized treatment decisions. Various features, including brain metastases, PD-L1 expression, BRAF mutation, performance status, and prior adjuvant therapy, significantly impact the direction of advanced melanoma treatment. We also provide the latest insights into the treatment of rare melanoma subtypes, such as uveal melanoma, where tebentafusp has shown promising improvements in overall survival for metastatic uveal melanoma patients. This review provides invaluable insights for clinicians, enabling informed treatment choices and deepening our understanding of the multifaceted challenges associated with advanced melanoma management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Boutros
- Skin Cancer Unit, U.O. Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Sciences (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Elena Croce
- Skin Cancer Unit, U.O. Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Ferrari
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Medical Oncology Unit, Pisa, Italy
| | - Riccardo Gili
- Skin Cancer Unit, U.O. Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Sciences (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Massaro
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Careggi University-Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Riccardo Marconcini
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Medical Oncology Unit, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Arecco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Sciences (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, U.O.C. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Enrica Teresa Tanda
- Skin Cancer Unit, U.O. Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Spagnolo
- Skin Cancer Unit, U.O. Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy; Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), Plastic Surgery Division, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yuzhalin AE. Redefining cancer research for therapeutic breakthroughs. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1078-1082. [PMID: 38424166 PMCID: PMC10991368 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02634-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer research has played a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes. However, despite the significant investment in fundamental cancer research over the past few decades, the translation of funding into substantial advancements in cancer treatment has been limited. This perspective article employs a detailed analysis to outline strategies for promoting innovation and facilitating discoveries within the field of cancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arseniy E Yuzhalin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu Q, Jiang X, Tu W, Liu L, Huang Y, Xia Y, Xia X, Shi Y. Comparative efficiency of differential diagnostic methods for the identification of BRAF V600E gene mutation in papillary thyroid cancer (Review). Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:149. [PMID: 38476918 PMCID: PMC10928970 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
V-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) encodes a serine-threonine kinase. The V600E point mutation in the BRAF gene is the most common mutation, predominantly occurring in melanoma, and colorectal, thyroid and non-small cell lung cancer. Particularly in the context of thyroid cancer research, it is routinely employed as a molecular biomarker to assist in diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and to formulate targeted therapeutic strategies. Currently, several methods are utilized in clinical settings to detect BRAF V600E mutations in patients with PTC. However, the sensitivity and specificity of various detection techniques vary significantly, resulting in diverse detection outcomes. The present review highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the methods currently employed in medical practice, with the aim of guiding clinicians and researchers in selecting the most suitable detection approach for its high sensitivity, reproducibility and potential to develop targeted therapeutic regimens for patients with BRAF gene mutation-associated PTC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
| | - Wenling Tu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
| | - Lina Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
| | - Yuxiao Xia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
| | - Xuliang Xia
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
| | - Yuhong Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Arslan S, Schmidt J, Bass C, Mehrotra D, Geraldes A, Singhal S, Hense J, Li X, Raharja-Liu P, Maiques O, Kather JN, Pandya P. A systematic pan-cancer study on deep learning-based prediction of multi-omic biomarkers from routine pathology images. Commun Med (Lond) 2024; 4:48. [PMID: 38491101 PMCID: PMC10942985 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00471-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this comprehensive pan-cancer study is to evaluate the potential of deep learning (DL) for molecular profiling of multi-omic biomarkers directly from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained whole slide images. METHODS A total of 12,093 DL models predicting 4031 multi-omic biomarkers across 32 cancer types were trained and validated. The study included a broad range of genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic biomarkers, as well as established prognostic markers, molecular subtypes, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Here we show that 50% of the models achieve an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.644 or higher. The observed AUC for 25% of the models is at least 0.719 and exceeds 0.834 for the top 5%. Molecular profiling with image-based histomorphological features is generally considered feasible for most of the investigated biomarkers and across different cancer types. The performance appears to be independent of tumor purity, sample size, and class ratio (prevalence), suggesting a degree of inherent predictability in histomorphology. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that DL holds promise to predict a wide range of biomarkers across the omics spectrum using only H&E-stained histological slides of solid tumors. This paves the way for accelerating diagnosis and developing more precise treatments for cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Debapriya Mehrotra
- Panakeia Technologies, London, UK
- Department of Pathology, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University NHS Trust, Romford, UK
| | | | - Shikha Singhal
- Panakeia Technologies, London, UK
- Department of Pathology, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
| | | | - Xiusi Li
- Panakeia Technologies, London, UK
| | | | - Oscar Maiques
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Metastasis Group, Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Cancer Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, London, UK
| | - Jakob Nikolas Kather
- Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Muraro E, Montico B, Lum B, Colizzi F, Giurato G, Salvati A, Guerrieri R, Rizzo A, Comaro E, Canzonieri V, Anichini A, Del Vecchio M, Mortarini R, Milione M, Weisz A, Pizzichetta MA, Simpson F, Dolcetti R, Fratta E, Sigalotti L. Antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity-inducing anti-EGFR antibodies as effective therapeutic option for cutaneous melanoma resistant to BRAF inhibitors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336566. [PMID: 38510242 PMCID: PMC10950948 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction About 50% of cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients present activating BRAF mutations that can be effectively targeted by BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi). However, 20% of CM patients exhibit intrinsic drug resistance to BRAFi, while most of the others develop adaptive resistance over time. The mechanisms involved in BRAFi resistance are disparate and globally seem to rewire the cellular signaling profile by up-regulating different receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). RTKs inhibitors have not clearly demonstrated anti-tumor activity in BRAFi resistant models. To overcome this issue, we wondered whether the shared up-regulated RTK phenotype associated with BRAFi resistance could be exploited by using immune weapons as the antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC)-mediated effect of anti-RTKs antibodies, and kill tumor cells independently from the mechanistic roots. Methods and results By using an in vitro model of BRAFi resistance, we detected increased membrane expression of EGFR, both at mRNA and protein level in 4 out of 9 BRAFi-resistant (VR) CM cultures as compared to their parental sensitive cells. Increased EGFR phosphorylation and AKT activation were observed in the VR CM cultures. EGFR signaling appeared dispensable for maintaining resistance, since small molecule-, antibody- and CRISPR-targeting of EGFR did not restore sensitivity of VR cells to BRAFi. Importantly, immune-targeting of EGFR by the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab efficiently and specifically killed EGFR-expressing VR CM cells, both in vitro and in humanized mouse models in vivo, triggering ADCC by healthy donors' and patients' peripheral blood cells. Conclusion Our data demonstrate the efficacy of immune targeting of RTKs expressed by CM relapsing on BRAFi, providing the proof-of-concept supporting the assessment of anti-RTK antibodies in combination therapies in this setting. This strategy might be expected to concomitantly trigger the crosstalk of adaptive immune response leading to a complementing T cell immune rejection of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Muraro
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Barbara Montico
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Benedict Lum
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Francesca Colizzi
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Annamaria Salvati
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Baronissi, Italy
- Molecular Pathology and Medical Genomics Program, AOU 'S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona' University of Salerno and Rete Oncologica Campana, Salerno, Italy
| | - Roberto Guerrieri
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Aurora Rizzo
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Elisa Comaro
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Canzonieri
- Division of Pathology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Anichini
- Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Del Vecchio
- Melanoma Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Mortarini
- Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Milione
- Pathology Unit 1, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Baronissi, Italy
- Molecular Pathology and Medical Genomics Program, AOU 'S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona' University of Salerno and Rete Oncologica Campana, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Pizzichetta
- Division of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
- Department of Dermatology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fiona Simpson
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Translational and Clinical Immunotherapy, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elisabetta Fratta
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Luca Sigalotti
- Oncogenetics and Functional Oncogenomics Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alexovič M, Uličná C, Sabo J, Davalieva K. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as a valuable source of disease-related biomarkers: Evidence from comparative proteomics studies. Proteomics Clin Appl 2024; 18:e2300072. [PMID: 37933719 DOI: 10.1002/prca.202300072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The discovery of specific and sensitive disease-associated biomarkers for early diagnostic purposes of many diseases is still highly challenging due to various complex molecular mechanisms triggered, high variability of disease-related interactions, and an overlap of manifestations among diseases. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) contain protein signatures corresponding to essential immunological interplay. Certain diseases stimulate PBMCs and contribute towards modulation of their proteome which can be effectively identified and evaluated via the comparative proteomics approach. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In this review, we made a detailed survey of the PBMCS-derived protein biomarker candidates for a variety of diseases, published in the last 15 years. Articles were preselected to include only comparative proteomics studies. RESULTS PBMC-derived biomarkers were investigated for cancer, glomerular, neurodegenerative/neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, endocrinal, infectious, and other diseases. A detailed review of these studies encompassed the proteomics platforms, proposed candidate biomarkers, their immune cell type specificity, and potential clinical application. CONCLUSIONS Overall, PBMCs have shown a solid potential in giving early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for many diseases. The future of PBMC biomarker research should reveal its full potential through well-designed comparative studies and extensive testing of the most promising protein biomarkers identified so far.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Alexovič
- Department of Medical and Clinical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Csilla Uličná
- Department of Medical and Clinical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ján Sabo
- Department of Medical and Clinical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Davalieva
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dobre EG, Nichita L, Popp C, Zurac S, Neagu M. Assessment of RAS-RAF-MAPK Pathway Mutation Status in Healthy Skin, Benign Nevi, and Cutaneous Melanomas: Pilot Study Using Droplet Digital PCR. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2308. [PMID: 38396984 PMCID: PMC10889428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we employed the ddPCR and IHC techniques to assess the prevalence and roles of RAS and RAF mutations in a small batch of melanoma (n = 22), benign moles (n = 15), and normal skin samples (n = 15). Mutational screening revealed the coexistence of BRAF and NRAS mutations in melanomas and nevi and the occurrence of NRAS G12/G13 variants in healthy skin. All investigated nevi had driver mutations in the BRAF or NRAS genes and elevated p16 protein expression, indicating cell cycle arrest despite an increased mutational burden. BRAF V600 mutations were identified in 54% of melanomas, and NRAS G12/G13 mutations in 50%. The BRAF mutations were associated with the Breslow index (BI) (p = 0.029) and TIL infiltration (p = 0.027), whereas the NRAS mutations correlated with the BI (p = 0.01) and the mitotic index (p = 0.04). Here, we demonstrate that the "young" ddPCR technology is as effective as a CE-IVD marked real-time PCR method for detecting BRAF V600 hotspot mutations in tumor biopsies and recommend it for extended use in clinical settings. Moreover, ddPCR was able to detect low-frequency hotspot mutations, such as NRAS G12/G13, in our tissue specimens, which makes it a promising tool for investigating the mutational landscape of sun-damaged skin, benign nevi, and melanomas in more extensive clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Georgiana Dobre
- Doctoral School, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.Z.)
| | - Luciana Nichita
- “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.Z.)
- Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristiana Popp
- “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.Z.)
- Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sabina Zurac
- “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.Z.)
- Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Neagu
- Doctoral School, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.Z.)
- Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Al Hmada Y, Brodell RT, Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Alamodi AA, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Hassan SL, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Santourlidis S, Hassan M. Mechanisms of Melanoma Progression and Treatment Resistance: Role of Cancer Stem-like Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:470. [PMID: 38275910 PMCID: PMC10814963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer, characterized by its heterogeneity and propensity to metastasize to distant organs. Melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor, composed of genetically divergent subpopulations, including a small fraction of melanoma-initiating cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and many non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs). CSCs are characterized by their unique surface proteins associated with aberrant signaling pathways with a causal or consequential relationship with tumor progression, drug resistance, and recurrence. Melanomas also harbor significant alterations in functional genes (BRAF, CDKN2A, NRAS, TP53, and NF1). Of these, the most common are the BRAF and NRAS oncogenes, with 50% of melanomas demonstrating the BRAF mutation (BRAFV600E). While the successful targeting of BRAFV600E does improve overall survival, the long-term efficacy of available therapeutic options is limited due to adverse side effects and reduced clinical efficacy. Additionally, drug resistance develops rapidly via mechanisms involving fast feedback re-activation of MAPK signaling pathways. This article updates information relevant to the mechanisms of melanoma progression and resistance and particularly the mechanistic role of CSCs in melanoma progression, drug resistance, and recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Al Hmada
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Robert T. Brodell
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Naji Kharouf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Abdulhadi A. Alamodi
- College of Health Sciences, Jackson State University, 310 W Woodrow Wilson Ave Ste 300, Jackson, MS 39213, USA;
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Medical Faculty, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hosseinalizadeh H, Hussain QM, Poshtchaman Z, Ahsan M, Amin AH, Naghavi S, Mahabady MK. Emerging insights into keratin 7 roles in tumor progression and metastasis of cancers. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1243871. [PMID: 38260844 PMCID: PMC10800941 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1243871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Keratin 7 (KRT7), also known as cytokeratin-7 (CK-7) or K7, constitutes the principal constituent of the intermediate filament cytoskeleton and is primarily expressed in the simple epithelia lining the cavities of the internal organs, glandular ducts, and blood vessels. Various pathological conditions, including cancer, have been linked to the abnormal expression of KRT7. KRT7 overexpression promotes tumor progression and metastasis in different human cancers, although the mechanisms of these processes caused by KRT7 have yet to be established. Studies have indicated that the suppression of KRT7 leads to rapid regression of tumors, highlighting the potential of KRT7 as a novel candidate for therapeutic interventions. This review aims to delineate the various roles played by KRT7 in the progression and metastasis of different human malignancies and to investigate its prognostic significance in cancer treatment. Finally, the differential diagnosis of cancers based on the KRT7 is emphasized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Hosseinalizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Poshtchaman
- Department of Nursing, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
| | | | - Ali H. Amin
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Soroush Naghavi
- Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Khaksary Mahabady
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ghasemian M, Babaahmadi‐Rezaei H, Khedri A, Selvaraj C. The oncogenic role of SAMMSON lncRNA in tumorigenesis: A comprehensive review with especial focus on melanoma. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:3966-3973. [PMID: 37772815 PMCID: PMC10746942 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
LncRNA Survival Associated Mitochondrial Melanoma Specific Oncogenic Non-coding RNA (SAMMSON) is located on human chromosome 3p13, and its expression is upregulated in several tumours, including melanoma, breast cancer, glioblastoma and liver cancer and has an oncogenic role in malignancy disorders. It has been reported that SAMMSON impacts metabolic regulation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, EMT, drug resistance, invasion and migration. Also, SAMMSON is involved in regulating several pathways such as Wnt, MAPK, PI3K, Akt, ERK and p53. SAMMSON is considered a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in several types of cancer and a suitable therapeutic target. In addition, the highly expressed SAMMSON is closely associated with clinicopathological features of various cancers. SAMMSON has a significant role in regulating epigenetic processes by regulating histone protein or the status of DNA methylation. Herein for the first time, we comprehensively summarized the currently available SAMMSON, molecular regulatory pathways, and clinical significance. We believe that clarifying all the molecular aspects of this lncRNA can be a good guide for cancer studies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Majid Ghasemian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of MedicineAhvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesAhvazIran
| | - Hossein Babaahmadi‐Rezaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of MedicineAhvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesAhvazIran
| | - Azam Khedri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of MedicineAhvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesAhvazIran
| | - Chandrabose Selvaraj
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and HospitalsSaveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha UniversityChennaiTamil NaduIndia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Amaris MA, Kallas HE, Gonzalo DH, Orlando FA. Gastric and colonic metastases of malignant melanoma diagnosed during endoscopic evaluation of symptomatic anemia presenting as angina: a case report. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1268973. [PMID: 38020144 PMCID: PMC10652385 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1268973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A 72-year-old man visited cardiology for exertional chest pain, lightheadedness, and fatigue. Six years prior, he was surgically treated for cutaneous malignant melanoma of the lower back. After a negative cardiac work-up, primary care diagnosed severe iron deficiency anemia. Emergent upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy revealed simultaneous melanoma metastases to the stomach and colon with discrete macroscopic features. Metastatic disease, including brain, lung, and bone, was discovered on imaging. Treatment included immunotherapy with nivolumab and stereotactic radiosurgery of the brain metastases, and our patient has remained in continued remission even after 2 years. Melanoma with GI tract (GIT) metastasis has a poor prognosis and rarely presents symptomatically or with synchronous gastric and colonic lesions. This case illustrates the importance of early primary care involvement to expedite work-up for multifocal GI metastases in patients with a remote melanoma history presenting with symptoms related to iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel A. Amaris
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Henrique E. Kallas
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - David H. Gonzalo
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Frank A. Orlando
- Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Aoude LG, Brosda S, Ng J, Lonie JM, Belle CJ, Patel K, Koufariotis LT, Wood S, Atkinson V, Smithers BM, Pearson JV, Waddell N, Barbour AP, Bonazzi VF. Circulating Tumor DNA: A Promising Biomarker for Predicting Recurrence in Patients with BRAF-Negative Melanoma. J Mol Diagn 2023; 25:771-781. [PMID: 37544359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
For patients with BRAF wild-type stage III and IV melanoma, there is an urgent clinical need to identify prognostic biomarkers and biomarkers predictive of treatment response. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is emerging as a blood-based biomarker and has shown promising results for many cancers, including melanoma. The purpose of this study was to identify targetable, tumor-derived mutations in patient blood that may lead to treatment alternatives and improved outcomes for patients with BRAF-negative melanoma. Using a CAncer Personalized Profiling by deep Sequencing (CAPP-seq) pan-cancer gene panel, ctDNA from 150 plasma samples (n = 106 patients) was assessed, including serial blood collections for a subset of patients (n = 16). ctDNA variants were detected in 85% of patients, all in targetable pathways, such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT, Bcl2/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), ALK/MET, and cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6. Patients with stage IV melanoma with low ctDNA concentrations, <10 ng/mL, had significantly better disease-specific survival and progression-free survival. Patients with both a high concentration of ctDNA and any detectable ctDNA variants had the worst prognosis. In addition, these results indicated that longitudinal changes in ctDNA correlated with treatment response and disease progression determined by radiology. This study confirms that ctDNA may be used as a noninvasive liquid biopsy to identify recurrent disease and detect targetable variants in patients with late-stage melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren G Aoude
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland.
| | - Sandra Brosda
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland
| | - Jessica Ng
- Queensland Melanoma Project, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland
| | - James M Lonie
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland
| | - Clemence J Belle
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland
| | - Kalpana Patel
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland
| | | | - Scott Wood
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland
| | - Victoria Atkinson
- Queensland Melanoma Project, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland
| | - B Mark Smithers
- Queensland Melanoma Project, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - John V Pearson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland
| | - Nicola Waddell
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland
| | - Andrew P Barbour
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland; Queensland Melanoma Project, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland
| | - Vanessa F Bonazzi
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kamrani A, Hosseinzadeh R, Shomali N, Heris JA, Shahabi P, Mohammadinasab R, Sadeghvand S, Ghahremanzadeh K, Sadeghi M, Akbari M. New immunotherapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154632. [PMID: 37480597 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Neoplasms are a worldwide recognized non-contagious disease which has the most mortality rate after cardiovascular diseases. For decades, there has been a vast amount of study on treatment methods of cancer which has led to conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and so on. Clinicians and researchers believed that there is an urgent need, considering the high rate of incidence and prevalence, for an alternative treatment option which is more efficacious and has less adverse effects than the above-mentioned treatments. Immunotherapy has emerged as a potential treatment alternative in a few years and became one of the fastest developing therapeutic approaches. Different kinds of immunotherapies are FDA approved and available for treatment of various cancer types. In this review, we have summarized the major immunotherapy methods including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T cell therapies and cancer vaccines. Furthermore, application of combination therapy, precision medicine, biomarker discovery, overcoming resistance and reduction of adverse effects are discussed in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amin Kamrani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ramin Hosseinzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javad Ahmadian Heris
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Pediatric Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parviz Shahabi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadinasab
- Department of History of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahram Sadeghvand
- Pediatrics Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | | | - Mohammadreza Sadeghi
- Department of molecular medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Morteza Akbari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Garbarino O, Valenti GE, Monteleone L, Pietra G, Mingari MC, Benzi A, Bruzzone S, Ravera S, Leardi R, Farinini E, Vernazza S, Grottoli M, Marengo B, Domenicotti C. PLX4032 resistance of patient-derived melanoma cells: crucial role of oxidative metabolism. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1210130. [PMID: 37534247 PMCID: PMC10391174 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1210130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer which shows BRAF mutation in 50% of patients. In this context, the identification of BRAFV600E mutation led to the development of specific inhibitors like PLX4032. Nevertheless, although its initial success, its clinical efficacy is reduced after six-months of therapy leading to cancer relapse due to the onset of drug resistance. Therefore, investigating the mechanisms underlying PLX4032 resistance is fundamental to improve therapy efficacy. In this context, several models of PLX4032 resistance have been developed, but the discrepancy between in vitro and in vivo results often limits their clinical translation. Methods The herein reported model has been realized by treating with PLX4032, for six months, patient-derived BRAF-mutated melanoma cells in order to obtain a reliable model of acquired PLX4032 resistance that could be predictive of patient's treatment responses. Metabolic analyses were performed by evaluating glucose consumption, ATP synthesis, oxygen consumption rate, P/O ratio, ATP/AMP ratio, lactate release, lactate dehydrogenase activity, NAD+/NADH ratio and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in parental and drug resistant melanoma cells. The intracellular oxidative state was analyzed in terms of reactive oxygen species production, glutathione levels and NADPH/NADP+ ratio. In addition, a principal component analysis was conducted in order to identify the variables responsible for the acquisition of targeted therapy resistance. Results Collectively, our results demonstrate, for the first time in patient-derived melanoma cells, that the rewiring of oxidative phosphorylation and the maintenance of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and of high glutathione levels contribute to trigger the onset of PLX4032 resistance. Conclusion Therefore, it is possible to hypothesize that inhibitors of glutathione biosynthesis and/or pyruvate dehydrogenase activity could be used in combination with PLX4032 to overcome drug resistance of BRAF-mutated melanoma patients. However, the identification of new adjuvant targets related to drug-induced metabolic reprogramming could be crucial to counteract the failure of targeted therapy in metastatic melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ombretta Garbarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Elda Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Monteleone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Benzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biochemistry Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Santina Bruzzone
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biochemistry Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Human Anatomy Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefania Vernazza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Melania Grottoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ozbay Kurt FG, Lasser S, Arkhypov I, Utikal J, Umansky V. Enhancing immunotherapy response in melanoma: myeloid-derived suppressor cells as a therapeutic target. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e170762. [PMID: 37395271 DOI: 10.1172/jci170762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the remarkable success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in melanoma treatment, resistance to them remains a substantial clinical challenge. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells that can suppress antitumor immune responses mediated by T and natural killer cells and promote tumor growth. They are major contributors to ICI resistance and play a crucial role in creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Therefore, targeting MDSCs is considered a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs. This Review describes the mechanism of MDSC-mediated immune suppression, preclinical and clinical studies on MDSC targeting, and potential strategies for inhibiting MDSC functions to improve melanoma immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feyza Gul Ozbay Kurt
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Samantha Lasser
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ihor Arkhypov
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nguyen TQ, Schneider G, Kaliappan A, Buscaglia R, Brock GN, Hall MB, Miller DM, Chesney JA, Garbett NC. Plasma Thermogram Parameters Differentiate Status and Overall Survival of Melanoma Patients. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:6079-6096. [PMID: 37504313 PMCID: PMC10378067 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30070453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United States and the deadliest of all skin cancers. Even with recent advancements in treatment, there is still a 13% two-year recurrence rate, with approximately 30% of recurrences being distant metastases. Identifying patients at high risk for recurrence or advanced disease is critical for optimal clinical decision-making. Currently, there is substantial variability in the selection of screening tests and imaging, with most modalities characterized by relatively low accuracy. In the current study, we built upon a preliminary examination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the melanoma setting to examine its utility for diagnostic and prognostic assessment. Using regression analysis, we found that selected DSC profile (thermogram) parameters were useful for differentiation between melanoma patients and healthy controls, with more complex models distinguishing melanoma patients with no evidence of disease from patients with active disease. Thermogram features contributing to the third principal component (PC3) were useful for differentiation between controls and melanoma patients, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis indicated that PC3 was useful for predicting the overall survival of active melanoma patients. With the further development and optimization of the classification method, DSC could complement current diagnostic strategies to improve screening, diagnosis, and prognosis of melanoma patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Q. Nguyen
- UofL Health–Brown Cancer Center and Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Gabriela Schneider
- UofL Health–Brown Cancer Center and Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Alagammai Kaliappan
- UofL Health–Brown Cancer Center and Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Robert Buscaglia
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Guy N. Brock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Melissa Barousse Hall
- UofL Health–Brown Cancer Center and Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Donald M. Miller
- UofL Health–Brown Cancer Center and Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jason A. Chesney
- UofL Health–Brown Cancer Center and Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Nichola C. Garbett
- UofL Health–Brown Cancer Center and Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bialves TS, Bastos Junior CLQ, Cordeiro MF, Boyle RT. Snake venom, a potential treatment for melanoma. A systematic review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 231:123367. [PMID: 36690229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in treating patients with melanoma, there are still many treatment challenges to overcome. Studies with snake venom-derived proteins/peptides describe their binding potential, and inhibition of some proliferative mechanisms in melanoma. The combined use of these compounds with current therapies could be the strategic gap that will help us discover more effective treatments for melanoma. The present study aimed to carry out a systematic review identifying snake venom proteins and peptides described in the literature with antitumor, antimetastatic, or antiangiogenic effects on melanoma and determine the mechanisms of action that lead to these anti-tumor effects. Snake venoms contain proteins and peptides which are antiaggregant, antimetastatic, and antiangiogenic. The in vivo results are encouraging, considering the reduction of metastases and tumor size after treatment. In addition to these results, it was reported that these venom compounds could act in combination with chemotherapeutics (Acurhagin-C; Macrovipecetin), sensitizing and preparing tumor cells for treatment. There is a consensus that snake venom is a promising strategy for the improvement of antimelanoma therapies, but it has been little explored in the current context, combined with inhibitors, immunotherapy or tumor microenvironment, for example. We suggest Lebein as a candidate for combination therapy with BRAF inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane Senna Bialves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas (PPGCF), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, s/n - km 8 - Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Claudio L Q Bastos Junior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas (PPGCF), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, s/n - km 8 - Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcos Freitas Cordeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências e Saúde (PPGBS), Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina - UNOESC, Rua Roberto Trompovski 224, Joaçaba, Santa Catarina, CEP 89600-000, Brazil.
| | - Robert Tew Boyle
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas (PPGCF), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, s/n - km 8 - Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul 96203-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Trédan O, Robert C, Italiano A, Barlesi F. [Use of genome-wide testing in oncology: French expert opinion based on the Delphi methodology]. Bull Cancer 2023; 110:320-330. [PMID: 36717341 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In oncology, genome-wide testing is a major element in facilitating the implementation of precision medicine. However, current recommendations do not always specify the indication and utility of these tests according to the type of cancer. A national consensus approach based on a modified Delphi methodology was set up to provide expert opinion on the use of genome-wide testing in clinical practice in France. Four groups of experts - 4 each representing the following topics of interest - were defined: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, melanoma, and cancer of unknown primary (CUP). In each group, assertions were formulated by a lead expert (8, 5, 7 and 6, respectively) and rated by five panellists involved in the management of these cancers, on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 9 (strongly agree). Consensus was reached when 75% of the scores were above 7. In case of disagreement, the panellists were asked to justify their rate. In total, 24 statements reached consensus after two to four rounds of rating, depending on the group. While the experts advocated the routine use of genome-wide testing in the diagnostic management of NSCLC and CUP, they did not recommend the systematisation of these tests for breast cancer and melanoma. Nevertheless, access to innovation in France could soon remove certain barriers and allow greater standardisation of broad molecular screening in oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Trédan
- Centre Léon-Bérard, CNRS UMR5286, Centre international de recherche en cancérologie, département de cancérologie médicale, Lyon, France.
| | - Caroline Robert
- Cancer Campus, Institut Gustave-Roussy, dermatologie et vénéréologie, Villejuif, France
| | - Antoine Italiano
- Institut Bergonié, Département d'oncologie médicale, Bordeaux, France; Cancer Campus, Institut Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif, France; Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Fabrice Barlesi
- Cancer Campus, Institut Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif, France; Aix-Marseille université, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sutopo NC, Kim JH, Cho JY. Role of histone methylation in skin cancers: Histone methylation-modifying enzymes as a new class of targets for skin cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188865. [PMID: 36841366 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Histone methylation, one of the most prominent epigenetic modifications, plays a vital role in gene transcription, and aberrant histone methylation levels cause tumorigenesis. Histone methylation is a reversible enzyme-dependent reaction, and histone methyltransferases and demethylases are involved in this reaction. This review addresses the biological and clinical relevance of these histone methylation-modifying enzymes for skin cancer. In particular, the roles of histone lysine methyltransferases, histone arginine methyltransferase, lysine-specific demethylases, and JmjC demethylases in skin cancer are discussed in detail. In addition, we summarize the efficacy of several epigenetic inhibitors targeting histone methylation-modifying enzymes in cutaneous cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. In conclusion, we propose histone methylation-modifying enzymes as novel targets for next-generation pharmaceuticals in the treatment of skin cancers and further provide a rationale for the development of epigenetic drugs (epidrugs) that target specific histone methylases/demethylases in cutaneous tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ji Hye Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Youl Cho
- Department of Biocosmetics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Vanni I, Pastorino L, Tanda ET, Andreotti V, Dalmasso B, Solari N, Mascherini M, Cabiddu F, Guadagno A, Coco S, Allavena E, Bruno W, Pietra G, Croce M, Gangemi R, Piana M, Zoppoli G, Ferrando L, Spagnolo F, Queirolo P, Ghiorzo P. Whole-Exome Sequencing and cfDNA Analysis Uncover Genetic Determinants of Melanoma Therapy Response in a Real-World Setting. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054302. [PMID: 36901733 PMCID: PMC10002464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although several studies have explored the molecular landscape of metastatic melanoma, the genetic determinants of therapy resistance are still largely unknown. Here, we aimed to determine the contribution of whole-exome sequencing and circulating free DNA (cfDNA) analysis in predicting response to therapy in a consecutive real-world cohort of 36 patients, undergoing fresh tissue biopsy and followed during treatment. Although the underpowered sample size limited statistical analysis, samples from non-responders had higher copy number variations and mutations in melanoma driver genes compared to responders in the BRAF V600+ subset. In the BRAF V600- subset, Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) was twice that in responders vs. non-responders. Genomic layout revealed commonly known and novel potential intrinsic/acquired resistance driver gene variants. Among these, RAC1, FBXW7, GNAQ mutations, and BRAF/PTEN amplification/deletion were present in 42% and 67% of patients, respectively. Both Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH) load and tumor ploidy were inversely associated with TMB. In immunotherapy-treated patients, samples from responders showed higher TMB and lower LOH and were more frequently diploid compared to non-responders. Secondary germline testing and cfDNA analysis proved their efficacy in finding germline predisposing variants carriers (8.3%) and following dynamic changes during treatment as a surrogate of tissue biopsy, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Vanni
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenza Pastorino
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrica Teresa Tanda
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Medical Oncology 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Virginia Andreotti
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Bruna Dalmasso
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicola Solari
- Surgical Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Mascherini
- Surgical Clinic Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Cabiddu
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Guadagno
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Coco
- Lung Cancer Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Allavena
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - William Bruno
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, U.O. Immunologia, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Croce
- Bioterapie, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Rosaria Gangemi
- Bioterapie, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Piana
- Dipartimento di Matematica (MIDA), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Life Science Computational Laboratory (LISCOMP), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Zoppoli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Clinica di Medicina Interna a Indirizzo Oncologico, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ferrando
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Clinica di Medicina Interna a Indirizzo Oncologico, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Spagnolo
- Medical Oncology 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Queirolo
- Melanoma, Sarcoma & Rare Tumors Division, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Ghiorzo
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-5557255
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rubatto M, Sciamarrelli N, Borriello S, Pala V, Mastorino L, Tonella L, Ribero S, Quaglino P. Classic and new strategies for the treatment of advanced melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:959289. [PMID: 36844955 PMCID: PMC9947410 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.959289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are burdened with a dismal prognosis. To improve the survival of these patients, studies on immunotherapy and target therapies in melanoma and NMSCs are rapidly increasing. BRAF and MEK inhibitors improve clinical outcomes, and anti-PD1 therapy demonstrates better results than chemotherapy or anti-CTLA4 therapy in terms of the survival of patients with advanced melanoma. In recent years, the combination therapy of nivolumab plus ipilimumab has gained ground in studies for its survival and response rate benefits in patients with advanced melanoma. In addition, neoadjuvant treatment for stages III and IV melanoma, either as monotherapy or combination therapy, has recently been discussed. Another promising strategy evaluated in recent studies is the triple combination of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy and anti-BRAF plus anti-MEK targeted therapy. On the contrary, in advanced and metastatic BCC, successful therapeutic strategies, such as vismodegib and sonidegib, are based on the inhibition of aberrant activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. In these patients, anti-PD-1 therapy with cemiplimab should be reserved as the second-line therapy in case of disease progression or poor response. In patients with locally advanced or metastatic SCC, who are not candidates for surgery or radiotherapy, anti-PD1 agents such as cemiplimab, pembrolizumab, and cosibelimab (CK-301) have shown significant results in terms of response rate. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, such as avelumab, have also been used in Merkel carcinoma, achieving responses in half of the patients with advanced disease. The latest prospect emerging for MCC is the locoregional approach involving the injection of drugs that can stimulate the immune system. Two of the most promising molecules used in combination with immunotherapy are cavrotolimod (a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist) and a Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist. Another area of study is cellular immunotherapy with natural killer cells stimulated with an IL-15 analog or CD4/CD8 cells stimulated with tumor neoantigens. Neoadjuvant treatment with cemiplimab in CSCCs and nivolumab in MCCs has shown promising results. Despite the successes of these new drugs, the new challenges ahead will be to select patients who will benefit from these treatments based on biomarkers and parameters of the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Silvia Borriello
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Pala
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Mastorino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Tonella
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Simone Ribero
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Madej E, Brożyna AA, Adamczyk A, Wronski N, Harazin-Lechowska A, Muzyk A, Makuch K, Markiewicz M, Rys J, Wolnicka-Glubisz A. Vemurafenib and Dabrafenib Downregulates RIPK4 Level. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15. [PMID: 36765875 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vemurafenib and dabrafenib are BRAF kinase inhibitors (BRAFi) used for the treatment of patients with melanoma carrying the V600E BRAF mutation. However, melanoma cells develop resistance to both drugs when used as monotherapy. Therefore, mechanisms of drug resistance are investigated, and new molecular targets are sought that could completely inhibit melanoma progression. Since receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK4) probably functions as an oncogene in melanoma and its structure is similar to the BRAF protein, we analyzed the impact of vemurafenib and dabrafenib on RIPK4 in melanomas. The in silico study confirmed the high similarity of BRAF kinase domains to the RIPK4 protein at both the sequence and structural levels and suggests that BRAFi could directly bind to RIPK4 even more strongly than to ATP. Furthermore, BRAFi inhibited ERK1/2 activity and lowered RIPK4 protein levels in BRAF-mutated melanoma cells (A375 and WM266.4), while in wild-type BRAF cells (BLM and LoVo), both inhibitors decreased the level of RIPK4 and enhanced ERK1/2 activity. The phosphorylation of phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein 1 (PEBP1)-a suppressor of the BRAF/MEK/ERK pathway-via RIPK4 observed in pancreatic cancer did not occur in melanoma. Neither downregulation nor upregulation of RIPK4 in BRAF- mutated cells affected PEBP1 levels or the BRAF/MEK/ERK pathway. The downregulation of RIPK4 inhibited cell proliferation and the FAK/AKT pathway, and increased BRAFi efficiency in WM266.4 cells. However, the silencing of RIPK4 did not induce apoptosis or necroptosis. Our study suggests that RIPK4 may be an off-target for BRAF inhibitors.
Collapse
|
23
|
Uebel A, Kewitz-Hempel S, Willscher E, Gebhardt K, Sunderkötter C, Gerloff D. Resistance to BRAF Inhibitors: EZH2 and Its Downstream Targets as Potential Therapeutic Options in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36768289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating BRAF mutations occurs in 50-60% of malignant melanomas. Although initially treatable, the development of resistance to BRAF-targeted therapies (BRAFi) is a major challenge and limits their efficacy. We have previously shown that the BRAFV600E signaling pathway mediates the expression of EZH2, an epigenetic regulator related to melanoma progression and worse overall survival. Therefore, we wondered whether inhibition of EZH2 would be a way to overcome resistance to vemurafenib. We found that the addition of an EZH2 inhibitor to vemurafenib improved the response of melanoma cells resistant to BRAFi with regard to decreased viability, cell-cycle arrest and increased apoptosis. By next-generation sequencing, we revealed that the combined inhibition of BRAF and EZH2 dramatically suppresses pathways of mitosis and cell cycle. This effect was linked to the downregulation of Polo-kinase 1 (PLK1), a key regulator of cell cycle and proliferation. Subsequently, when we inhibited PLK1, we found decreased cell viability of melanoma cells resistant to BRAFi. When we inhibited both BRAF and PLK1, we achieved an improved response of BRAFi-resistant melanoma cells, which was comparable to the combined inhibition of BRAF and EZH2. These results thus reveal that targeting EZH2 or its downstream targets, such as PLK1, in combination with BRAF inhibitors are potential novel therapeutic options in melanomas with BRAF mutations.
Collapse
|
24
|
Pathipaka R, Thyagarajan A, Sahu RP. Melatonin as a Repurposed Drug for Melanoma Treatment. Med Sci (Basel) 2023; 11:medsci11010009. [PMID: 36649046 PMCID: PMC9844458 DOI: 10.3390/medsci11010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, with a greater risk of metastasis and a higher prevalence and mortality rate. This cancer type has been demonstrated to develop resistance to the known treatment options such as conventional therapeutic agents and targeted therapy that are currently being used as the standard of care. Drug repurposing has been explored as a potential alternative treatment strategy against disease pathophysiologies, including melanoma. To that end, multiple studies have suggested that melatonin produced by the pineal gland possesses anti-proliferative and oncostatic effects in experimental melanoma models. The anticarcinogenic activity of melatonin is attributed to its ability to target a variety of oncogenic signaling pathways, including the MAPK pathways which are involved in regulating the behavior of cancer cells, including cell survival and proliferation. Additionally, preclinical studies have demonstrated that melatonin in combination with chemotherapeutic agents exerts synergistic effects against melanoma. The goal of this review is to highlight the mechanistic insights of melatonin as a monotherapy or combinational therapy for melanoma treatment.
Collapse
|
25
|
Dcruz AC, Vignesh Balaji E, Manandhar S, Kumar A, Gujaran TV, Hedayat P, Pai KSR. BRAF gene as a potential target to attenuate drug resistance and treat cancer. Gene Reports 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2023.101740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
26
|
Li C, Kuai L, Cui R, Miao X. Melanogenesis and the Targeted Therapy of Melanoma. Biomolecules 2022; 12. [PMID: 36551302 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigment production is a unique character of melanocytes. Numerous factors are linked with melanin production, including genetics, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and inflammation. Understanding the mechanism of melanogenesis is crucial to identify new preventive and therapeutic strategies in the treatment of melanoma. Here, we reviewed the current available literatures on the mechanisms of melanogenesis, including the signaling pathways of UVR-induced pigment production, MC1R's central determinant roles and MITF as a master transcriptional regulator in melanogenesis. Moreover, we further highlighted the role of targeting BRAF, NRAS and MC1R in melanoma prevention and treatment. The combination therapeutics of immunotherapy and targeted kinase inhibitors are becoming the newest therapeutic option in advanced melanoma.
Collapse
|
27
|
Patel G, Edirisooriya M, Dey M, Parkar R. Bilateral multifocal central serous retinopathy due to management of metastatic melanoma with BRAF/MEF inhibitors: case report. Current Problems in Cancer: Case Reports 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpccr.2022.100208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
|
28
|
Hell T, Dobrzyński M, Gröflin F, Reinhardt JK, Dürr L, Pertz O, Hamburger M, Garo E. Flavonoids from Ericameria nauseosa inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway in human melanoma cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113754. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
|
29
|
Dürr L, Reinhardt JK, Dobrzyński M, Hell T, Smieško M, Pertz O, Hamburger M, Garo E. A Dimerosesquiterpene and Sesquiterpene Lactones from Artemisia argyi Inhibiting Oncogenic PI3K/AKT Signaling in Melanoma Cells. J Nat Prod 2022; 85:2557-2569. [PMID: 36351173 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A library of more than 2500 plant extracts was screened for activity on oncogenic signaling in melanoma cells. The ethyl acetate extract from the aerial parts of Artemisia argyi displayed pronounced inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Active compounds were tracked with the aid of HPLC-based activity profiling, and altogether 21 active compounds were isolated, including one novel dimerosequiterpenoid (1), one new disesquiterpenoid (2), three new guaianolides (3-5), 12 known sesquiterpenoids (6-17), and four known flavonoids (19-22). A new eudesmanolide derivative (13b) was isolated as an artifact formed by methanolysis. Compound 1 is the first adduct comprising a sesquiterpene lactone and a methyl jasmonate moiety. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 3-18 were established by comparison of their experimental and calculated ECD spectra. The absolute configuration for 2 was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Guaianolide 8 was the most potent sesquiterpene lactone, inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway with an IC50 value of 8.9 ± 0.9 μM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Dürr
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jakob K Reinhardt
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maciej Dobrzyński
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Hell
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Smieško
- Division of Computational Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Pertz
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Hamburger
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eliane Garo
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tabolacci C, Giordano D, Rossi S, Cordella M, D'Arcangelo D, Moschella F, D'Atri S, Biffoni M, Facchiano A, Facchiano F. Identification of Dihydrolipoamide Dehydrogenase as Potential Target of Vemurafenib-Resistant Melanoma Cells. Molecules 2022; 27. [PMID: 36431901 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent improvements in therapy, the five-year survival rate for patients with advanced melanoma is poor, mainly due to the development of drug resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, applying proteomics and structural approaches to models of melanoma cells. METHODS Sublines from two human (A375 and SK-MEL-28) cells with acquired vemurafenib resistance were established, and their proteomic profiles when exposed to denaturation were identified through LC-MS/MS analysis. The pathways derived from bioinformatics analyses were validated by in silico and functional studies. RESULTS The proteomic profiles of resistant melanoma cells were compared to parental counterparts by taking into account protein folding/unfolding behaviors. Several proteins were found to be involved, with dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) being the only one similarly affected by denaturation in all resistant cell sublines compared to parental ones. DLD expression was observed to be increased in resistant cells by Western blot analysis. Protein modeling analyses of DLD's catalytic site coupled to in vitro assays with CPI-613, a specific DLD inhibitor, highlighted the role of DLD enzymatic functions in the molecular mechanisms of BRAFi resistance. CONCLUSIONS Our proteomic and structural investigations on resistant sublines indicate that DLD may represent a novel and potent target for overcoming vemurafenib resistance in melanoma cells.
Collapse
|
31
|
Dain Md Opo FA, Alsaiari AA, Rahman Molla MH, Ahmed Sumon MA, Yaghmour KA, Ahammad F, Mohammad F, Simal-Gandara J. Identification of novel natural drug candidates against BRAF mutated carcinoma; An integrative in-silico structure-based pharmacophore modeling and virtual screening process. Front Chem 2022; 10:986376. [PMID: 36267655 PMCID: PMC9577413 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.986376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The BRAF gene is responsible for transferring signals from outside of the cell to inside of the nucleus by converting a protein namely B-Raf through the RAS/MAPK pathway. This pathway contribute to cell division, proliferation, migration, and apoptotic cell death of human and animal. Mutation in this gene may cause the development of several cancers, including lung, skin, colon, and neuroblastoma. Currently, a few available drugs are being used that has developed by targeting the BRAF mutated protein, and due to the toxic side effects, patients suffer a lot during their treatment. Therefore this study aimed to identify potentially lead compounds that can target and block the expression of BRAF and subsequently inhibit the cancer. The hits were generated through the pharmacophore model-based virtual screening, molecular docking, pharmacohore model validation, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) analysis molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to find more suitable candidate against the overexpress BRAF gene. The pharmacophore based screening initially identified 14 k possible hits from online database which were further screened by ligand scout advance software to get hit compound. Based on molecular docking score of ZINC70454679 (-10.6 kcal/mol), ZINC253500968 (-9.4 kcal/mol), ZINC106887736 (-8.6 kcal/mol), and ZINC107434492 (-8.1 kcal/mol), pharmacophore feature and toxicity evaluation, we selected four possible lead compounds. The dynamic simulation with Schrodinger Maestro software was used to determine the stability of the potential lead candidates with target protein (PDB ID: 5VAM). The results showed that the newly obtained four compounds were more stable than the control ligand (Pub Chem ID: 90408826). The current results showed that the ZINC70454679, ZINC253500968, ZINC106887736, and ZINC107434492 compounds may be able to work against several cancers through targeting the BRAF overexpressed gene. To develop a novel drug candidate, however the evaluation of the web lab based experimental work are necessary to evaluate the efficiency of the each compound against the BRAF target gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F. A. Dain Md Opo
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center (KFMRC), KAU, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahad Amer Alsaiari
- Clinical Laboratories, Science Department, College of Applied Medical Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Md Afsar Ahmed Sumon
- Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled A. Yaghmour
- Family Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Foysal Ahammad
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Foysal Ahammad, ; Farhan Mohammad, ; Jesus Simal-Gandara,
| | - Farhan Mohammad
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Foysal Ahammad, ; Farhan Mohammad, ; Jesus Simal-Gandara,
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo, Ourense, Spain
- *Correspondence: Foysal Ahammad, ; Farhan Mohammad, ; Jesus Simal-Gandara,
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lopes J, Rodrigues CMP, Gaspar MM, Reis CP. Melanoma Management: From Epidemiology to Treatment and Latest Advances. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4652. [PMID: 36230575 PMCID: PMC9562203 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Melanoma is a major public health issue that claims the lives of thousands of people every year. Furthermore, the outlook for the coming years is not encouraging with increasing morbidity and mortality trends. This review aims to offer an updated overview of various aspects related to cutaneous melanoma, from epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, prevention, diagnosis and staging. Moreover, conventional treatments currently available as well as the latest advances in clinical trials regarding new drugs and/or combinations, including nanotechnology-based strategies are also reviewed. Abstract Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, whose morbidity and mortality indicators show an increasing trend worldwide. In addition to its great heterogeneity, melanoma has a high metastatic potential, resulting in very limited response to therapies currently available, which were restricted to surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy for many years. Advances in knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease have allowed the development of new therapeutic classes, such as immune checkpoint and small molecule kinase inhibitors. However, despite the incontestable progress in the quality of life and survival rates of the patients, effectiveness is still far from desired. Some adverse side effects and resistance mechanisms are the main barriers. Thus, the search for better options has resulted in many clinical trials that are now investigating new drugs and/or combinations. The low water solubility of drugs, low stability and rapid metabolism limit the clinical potential and therapeutic use of some compounds. Thus, the research of nanotechnology-based strategies is being explored as the basis for the broad application of different types of nanosystems in the treatment of melanoma. Future development focus on challenges understanding the mechanisms that make these nanosystems more effective.
Collapse
|
33
|
Chava S, Bugide S, Malvi P, Gupta R. Co-targeting of specific epigenetic regulators in combination with CDC7 potently inhibit melanoma growth. iScience 2022; 25:104752. [PMID: 35942091 PMCID: PMC9356103 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer that frequently metastasizes, but current therapies only benefit some patients. Here, we demonstrate that the serine/threonine kinase cell division cycle 7 (CDC7) is overexpressed in melanoma, and patients with higher expression have shorter survival. Transcription factor ELK1 regulates CDC7 expression, and CDC7 inhibition promotes cell cycle arrest, senescence, and apoptosis, leading to inhibition of melanoma tumor growth and metastasis. Our chemical genetics screen with epigenetic inhibitors revealed stronger melanoma tumor growth inhibition when XL413 is combined with the EZH2 inhibitor GSK343 or BRPF1/2/3 inhibitor OF1. Mechanistically, XL413 with GSK343 or OF1 synergistically altered the expression of tumor-suppressive genes, leading to higher apoptosis than the single agent alone. Collectively, these results identify CDC7 as a driver of melanoma tumor growth and metastasis that can be targeted alone or in combination with EZH2 or BRPF1/2/3 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Chava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Suresh Bugide
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Parmanand Malvi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Romi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.,O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Panovska D, De Smet F. Functional Precision Oncology: The Next Frontier to Improve Glioblastoma Outcome? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8637. [PMID: 35955765 PMCID: PMC9369403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma remains the most malignant and intrinsically resistant brain tumour in adults. Despite intensive research over the past few decades, through which numerous potentially druggable targets have been identified, virtually all clinical trials of the past 20 years have failed to improve the outcome for the vast majority of GBM patients. The observation that small subgroups of patients displayed a therapeutic response across several unsuccessful clinical trials suggests that the GBM patient population probably consists of multiple subgroups that probably all require a distinct therapeutic approach. Due to extensive inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, assigning the right therapy to each patient remains a major challenge. Classically, bulk genetic profiling would be used to identify suitable therapies, although the success of this approach remains limited due to tumor heterogeneity and the absence of direct relationships between mutations and therapy responses in GBM. An attractive novel strategy aims at implementing methods for functional precision oncology, which refers to the evaluation of treatment efficacies and vulnerabilities of (ex vivo) living tumor cells in a highly personalized way. Such approaches are currently being implemented for other cancer types by providing rapid, translatable information to guide patient-tailored therapeutic selections. In this review, we discuss the current state of the art of transforming technologies, tools and challenges for functional precision oncology and how these could improve therapy selection for GBM patients.
Collapse
|
35
|
Falletta P, Goding CR, Vivas-García Y. Connecting Metabolic Rewiring With Phenotype Switching in Melanoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:930250. [PMID: 35912100 PMCID: PMC9334657 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.930250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a complex and aggressive cancer type that contains different cell subpopulations displaying distinct phenotypes within the same tumor. Metabolic reprogramming, a hallmark of cell transformation, is essential for melanoma cells to adopt different phenotypic states necessary for adaptation to changes arising from a dynamic milieu and oncogenic mutations. Increasing evidence demonstrates how melanoma cells can exhibit distinct metabolic profiles depending on their specific phenotype, allowing adaptation to hostile microenvironmental conditions, such as hypoxia or nutrient depletion. For instance, increased glucose consumption and lipid anabolism are associated with proliferation, while a dependency on exogenous fatty acids and an oxidative state are linked to invasion and metastatic dissemination. How these different metabolic dependencies are integrated with specific cell phenotypes is poorly understood and little is known about metabolic changes underpinning melanoma metastasis. Recent evidence suggests that metabolic rewiring engaging transitions to invasion and metastatic progression may be dependent on several factors, such as specific oncogenic programs or lineage-restricted mechanisms controlling cell metabolism, intra-tumor microenvironmental cues and anatomical location of metastasis. In this review we highlight how the main molecular events supporting melanoma metabolic rewiring and phenotype-switching are parallel and interconnected events that dictate tumor progression and metastatic dissemination through interplay with the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Falletta
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Falletta, ; Colin R. Goding, ; Yurena Vivas-García, ,
| | - Colin R. Goding
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Ludwig Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Paola Falletta, ; Colin R. Goding, ; Yurena Vivas-García, ,
| | - Yurena Vivas-García
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Ludwig Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Paola Falletta, ; Colin R. Goding, ; Yurena Vivas-García, ,
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Reddi KK, Guruvaiah P, Edwards YJK, Gupta R. Changes in the Transcriptome and Chromatin Landscape in BRAFi-Resistant Melanoma Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:937831. [PMID: 35785205 PMCID: PMC9247198 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.937831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic and drug-resistant melanoma are leading causes of skin cancer-associated death. Mitogen-associated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway inhibitors and immunotherapies have provided substantial benefits to patients with melanoma. However, long-term therapeutic efficacy has been limited due to emergence of treatment resistance. Despite the identification of several molecular mechanisms underlying the development of resistant phenotypes, significant progress has still not been made toward the effective treatment of drug-resistant melanoma. Therefore, the identification of new targets and mechanisms driving drug resistance in melanoma represents an unmet medical need. In this study, we performed unbiased RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) to identify new targets and mechanisms that drive resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors targeting BRAF and MAPK kinase (MEK) in BRAF-mutant melanoma cells. An integrative analysis of ATAC-seq combined with RNA-seq showed that global changes in chromatin accessibility affected the mRNA expression levels of several known and novel genes, which consequently modulated multiple oncogenic signaling pathways to promote resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors in melanoma cells. Many of these genes were also associated with prognosis predictions in melanoma patients. This study resulted in the identification of new genes and signaling pathways that might be targeted to treat MEK or BRAF inhibitors resistant melanoma patients. The present study applied new and advanced approaches to identify unique changes in chromatin accessibility regions that modulate gene expression associated with pathways to promote the development of resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kumar Reddi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Praveen Guruvaiah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Yvonne J. K. Edwards
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Romi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Essa AF, El-Hawary SS, Emam SE, Kubacy TM, El-Khrisy EEDAM, Younis IY, Elshamy AI. Characterization of undescribed melanoma inhibitors from Euphorbia mauritanica L. cultivated in Egypt targeting BRAF V600E and MEK 1 kinases via in-silico study and ADME prediction. Phytochemistry 2022; 198:113154. [PMID: 35245525 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Three undescribed diterpenes including two ent-abietanes, euphomauritanol A, and euphomauritanol B, and one jatrophane, euphomauritanophane A, in addition to eight previously described metabolites were isolated from the MeOH-CH2Cl2 (1:1) extract of the Euphorbia mauritanica. The chemical structures of isolates were established based on the spectroscopic means including FT-IR, HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR. The absolute stereochemistry of the undescribed diterpenes was deduced by experimental and calculated TDDFT-electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The anti-proliferative effects of the isolated diterpenes were evaluated against B16-BL6, Hep G2, and Caco-2. The euphomauritanol A, euphomauritanol B, and euphomauritanophane A significantly inhibited the growth of murine melanoma B16-BL6 cell lines with IC50 10.28, 20.22, and 38.81 μM, respectively with no responses against the other cells. These activities were rationalized by molecular docking of the active compounds in BRAFV600E and MEK1 active sites. Moreover, the in-silico pharmacokinetics predictions by Swiss ADME revealed that the active compounds possessed favorable oral bioavailability and drug-likeness properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed F Essa
- Chemistry of Natural Compounds Department, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Seham S El-Hawary
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 12613, Egypt
| | - Sherif E Emam
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Tahia M Kubacy
- Chemistry of Natural Compounds Department, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Ezz El-Din A M El-Khrisy
- Chemistry of Natural Compounds Department, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Inas Y Younis
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 12613, Egypt.
| | - Abdelsamed I Elshamy
- Chemistry of Natural Compounds Department, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Oliveira RD, Celeiro SP, Barbosa-Matos C, Freitas AS, Cardoso SM, Viana-Pereira M, Almeida-Aguiar C, Baltazar F. Portuguese Propolis Antitumoral Activity in Melanoma Involves ROS Production and Induction of Apoptosis. Molecules 2022; 27:3533. [PMID: 35684471 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive and life-threatening skin cancer type. The melanoma genome is the most frequently mutated, with the BRAF mutation present in 40–60% of melanoma cases. BRAF-mutated melanomas are characterized by a higher aggressiveness and progression. Adjuvant targeted treatments, such as BRAF and MEK inhibitors, are added to surgical excision in BRAF-mutated metastatic melanomas to maximize treatment effectiveness. However, resistance remains the major therapeutic problem. Interest in natural products, like propolis, for therapeutic applications, has increased in the last years. Propolis healing proprieties offer great potential for the development of novel cancer drugs. As the activity of Portuguese propolis has never been studied in melanoma, we evaluated the antitumoral activity of propolis from Gerês (G18.EE) and its fractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and n-butanol) in A375 and WM9 melanoma cell lines. Results from DPPH•/ABTS• radical scavenging assays indicated that the samples had relevant antioxidant activity, however, this was not confirmed in the cell models. G18.EE and its fractions decreased cell viability (SRB assay) and promoted ROS production (DHE/Mitotracker probes by flow cytometry), leading to activation of apoptotic signaling (expression of apoptosis markers). Our results suggest that the n-BuOH fraction has the potential to be explored in the pharmacological therapy of melanoma.
Collapse
|
39
|
Klug LR, Khosroyani HM, Kent JD, Heinrich MC. New treatment strategies for advanced-stage gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:328-41. [PMID: 35217782 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00606-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
When gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), the most common form of sarcoma, was first recognized as a distinct pathological entity in the 1990s, patients with advanced-stage disease had a very poor prognosis owing to a lack of effective medical therapies. The discovery of KIT mutations as the first and most prevalent drivers of GIST and the subsequent development of the first KIT tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), imatinib, revolutionized the treatment of patients with this disease. We can now identify the driver mutation in 99% of patients with GIST via molecular diagnostic testing, and therapies have been developed to treat many, but not all, molecular subtypes of the disease. At present, seven drugs are approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced-stage GIST (imatinib, sunitinib, regorafenib, ripretinib, avapritinib, larotrectinib and entrectinib), all of which are TKIs. Although these agents can be very effective for treating certain GIST subtypes, challenges remain and new therapeutic approaches are needed. In this Review, we discuss the molecular subtypes of GIST and the evolution of current treatments, as well as their therapeutic limitations. We also highlight emerging therapeutic approaches that might overcome clinical challenges through novel strategies predicated on the biological features of the distinct GIST molecular subtypes.
Collapse
|
40
|
Hsu CH, Lee KJ, Chiu YH, Huang KC, Wang GS, Chen LP, Liao KW, Lin CS. The Lysosome in Malignant Melanoma: Biology, Function and Therapeutic Applications. Cells 2022; 11:1492. [PMID: 35563798 PMCID: PMC9103375 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysosomes are membrane-bound vesicles that play roles in the degradation and recycling of cellular waste and homeostasis maintenance within cells. False alterations of lysosomal functions can lead to broad detrimental effects and cause various diseases, including cancers. Cancer cells that are rapidly proliferative and invasive are highly dependent on effective lysosomal function. Malignant melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer, with high metastasis characteristics, drug resistance, and aggressiveness. It is critical to understand the role of lysosomes in melanoma pathogenesis in order to improve the outcomes of melanoma patients. In this mini-review, we compile our current knowledge of lysosomes' role in tumorigenesis, progression, therapy resistance, and the current treatment strategies related to lysosomes in melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsin Hsu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Keng-Jung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Yi-Han Chiu
- Department of Microbiology, Soochow University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Kuo-Ching Huang
- Holistic Education Center, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan;
| | - Guo-Shou Wang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan; (G.-S.W.); (K.-W.L.)
| | - Lei-Po Chen
- Ph.D. Degree Program of Biomedical Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan;
| | - Kuang-Wen Liao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan; (G.-S.W.); (K.-W.L.)
| | - Chen-Si Lin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Dürr L, Hell T, Dobrzyński M, Mattei A, John A, Augsburger N, Bradanini G, Reinhardt JK, Rossberg F, Drobnjakovic M, Gupta MP, Hamburger M, Pertz O, Garo E. High-Content Screening Pipeline for Natural Products Targeting Oncogenic Signaling in Melanoma. J Nat Prod 2022; 85:1006-1017. [PMID: 35231173 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c01154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of melanoma, the most fatal dermatological cancer, has dramatically increased over the last few decades. Modern targeted therapy with kinase inhibitors induces potent clinical responses, but drug resistance quickly develops. Combination therapy improves treatment outcomes. Therefore, novel inhibitors targeting aberrant proliferative signaling in melanoma via the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways are urgently needed. Biosensors were combined that report on ERK/AKT activity with image-based high-content screening and HPLC-based activity profiling. An in-house library of 2576 plant extracts was screened on two melanoma cell lines with different oncogenic mutations leading to pathological ERK/AKT activity. Out of 140 plant extract hits, 44 were selected for HPLC activity profiling. Active thymol derivatives and piperamides from Arnica montana and Piper nigrum were identified that inhibited pathological ERK and/or AKT activity. The pipeline used enabled an efficient identification of natural products targeting oncogenic signaling in melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Dürr
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Hell
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maciej Dobrzyński
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Mattei
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anika John
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nathanja Augsburger
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gloria Bradanini
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jakob K Reinhardt
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Rossberg
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Milos Drobnjakovic
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mahabir P Gupta
- Center for Pharmacognostic Research and Panamanian Flora, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Panama, Panama City 0801, Republic of Panama
| | - Matthias Hamburger
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Pertz
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eliane Garo
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Glen C, Tan YY, Waterston A, Evans TRJ, Jones RJ, Petrie MC, Lang NN. Mechanistic and Clinical Overview Cardiovascular Toxicity of BRAF and MEK Inhibitors: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review. JACC CardioOncol 2022; 4:1-18. [PMID: 35492830 PMCID: PMC9040125 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccao.2022.01.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma B-type (BRAF) and mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitors have revolutionized melanoma treatment. Approximately half of patients with melanoma harbor a BRAF gene mutation with subsequent dysregulation of the RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Targeting this pathway with BRAF and MEK blockade results in control of cell proliferation and, in most cases, disease control. These pathways also have cardioprotective effects and are necessary for normal vascular and cardiac physiology. BRAF and MEK inhibitors are associated with adverse cardiovascular effects including hypertension, left ventricular dysfunction, venous thromboembolism, atrial arrhythmia, and electrocardiographic QT interval prolongation. These effects may be underestimated in clinical trials. Baseline cardiovascular assessment and follow-up, including serial imaging and blood pressure assessment, are essential to balance optimal anti-cancer therapy while minimizing cardiovascular side effects. In this review, an overview of BRAF/MEK inhibitor-induced cardiovascular toxicity, the mechanisms underlying these, and strategies for surveillance, prevention, and treatment of these effects are provided.
Collapse
Key Words
- ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme
- AF, atrial fibrillation
- BRAF inhibitor
- BRAF, rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma B-type
- CVAE, cardiovascular adverse event
- EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor
- ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase
- LVSD, left ventricular systolic dysfunction
- MEK inhibitor
- MEK, mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase
- RAF, rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- cardio-oncology
- cardiovascular toxicity
- hypertension
- left ventricular systolic dysfunction
- melanoma
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Glen
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Yun Yi Tan
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ashita Waterston
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas R. Jeffry Evans
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J. Jones
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mark C. Petrie
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ninian N. Lang
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Siena ÁDD, Barros IID, Storti CB, de Biagi Júnior CAO, da Costa Carvalho LA, Maria-Engler SS, Sousa JDF, Silva WA. Upregulation of the novel lncRNA U731166 is associated with migration, invasion and vemurafenib resistance in melanoma. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:671-683. [PMID: 35040264 PMCID: PMC8817119 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous work using a melanoma progression model composed of melanocytic cells (melanocytes, primary and metastatic melanoma samples) demonstrated various deregulated genes, including a few known lncRNAs. Further analysis was conducted to discover novel lncRNAs associated with melanoma, and candidates were prioritized for their potential association with invasiveness or other metastasis‐related processes. In this sense, we found the intergenic lncRNA U73166 (ENSG00000230454) and decided to explore its effects in melanoma. For that, we silenced the lncRNA U73166 expression using shRNAs in a melanoma cell line. Next, we experimentally investigated its functions and found that migration and invasion had significantly decreased in knockdown cells, indicating an essential association of lncRNA U73166 for cancer processes. Additionally, using naïve and vemurafenib‐resistant cell lines and data from a patient before and after resistance, we found that vemurafenib‐resistant samples had a higher expression of lncRNA U73166. Also, we retrieved data from the literature that indicates lncRNA U73166 may act as a mediator of RNA processing and cell invasion, probably inducing a more aggressive phenotype. Therefore, our results suggest a relevant role of lncRNA U73166 in metastasis development. We also pointed herein the lncRNA U73166 as a new possible biomarker or target to help overcome clinical vemurafenib resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ádamo Davi Diógenes Siena
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Center for Cell Based Therapy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isabela Ichihara de Barros
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Center for Cell Based Therapy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Baldin Storti
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Center for Cell Based Therapy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Oliveira de Biagi Júnior
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Center for Cell Based Therapy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Silvya Stuchi Maria-Engler
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Wilson Araújo Silva
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Center for Cell Based Therapy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Center for Integrative Systems Biology-CISBi, NAP/USP, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Institute for Cancer Research, Cidade dos Lagos, Guarapuava, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Newcomer K, Robbins KJ, Perone J, Hinojosa FL, Chen D, Jones S, Kaufman CK, Weiser R, Fields RC, Tyler DS. Malignant melanoma: evolving practice management in an era of increasingly effective systemic therapies. Curr Probl Surg 2022; 59:101030. [PMID: 35033317 PMCID: PMC9798450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpsurg.2021.101030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Newcomer
- Department of Surgery, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Jennifer Perone
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | | | - David Chen
- e. Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Susan Jones
- f. Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Roi Weiser
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - Ryan C Fields
- Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Douglas S Tyler
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Patel V, Szász I, Koroknai V, Kiss T, Balázs M. Molecular Alterations Associated with Acquired Drug Resistance during Combined Treatment with Encorafenib and Binimetinib in Melanoma Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236058. [PMID: 34885166 PMCID: PMC8656772 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Combination treatment using BRAF/MEK inhibitors is a promising therapy for patients with advanced BRAFV600E/K mutant melanoma. However, acquired resistance largely limits the clinical efficacy of this drug combination. Identifying resistance mechanisms is essential to reach long-term, durable responses. During this study, we developed six melanoma cell lines with acquired resistance for BRAFi/MEKi treatment and defined the molecular alterations associated with drug resistance. We observed that the invasion of three resistant cell lines increased significantly compared to the sensitive cells. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed differentially expressed genes that were functionally linked to a variety of biological functions including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the ROS pathway, and KRAS-signalling. Using proteome profiler array, several differentially expressed proteins were detected, which clustered into a unique pattern. Galectin showed increased expression in four resistant cell lines, being the highest in the WM1617E+BRes cells. We also observed that the resistant cells behaved differently after the withdrawal of the inhibitors, five were not drug addicted at all and did not exhibit significantly increased lethality; however, the viability of one resistant cell line (WM1617E+BRes) decreased significantly. We have selected three resistant cell lines to investigate the protein expression changes after drug withdrawal. The expression patterns of CapG, Enolase 2, and osteopontin were similar in the resistant cells after ten days of "drug holiday", but the Snail protein was only expressed in the WM1617E+BRes cells, which showed a drug-dependent phenotype, and this might be associated with drug addiction. Our results highlight that melanoma cells use several types of resistance mechanisms involving the altered expression of different proteins to bypass drug treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Patel
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - István Szász
- MTA-DE Public Health Research Group, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (I.S.); (V.K.)
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Viktória Koroknai
- MTA-DE Public Health Research Group, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (I.S.); (V.K.)
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Tímea Kiss
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Margit Balázs
- MTA-DE Public Health Research Group, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (I.S.); (V.K.)
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Rapanotti MC, Cugini E, Nuccetelli M, Terrinoni A, Di Raimondo C, Lombardo P, Costanza G, Cosio T, Rossi P, Orlandi A, Campione E, Bernardini S, Blot-Chabaud M, Bianchi L. MCAM/MUC18/CD146 as a Multifaceted Warning Marker of Melanoma Progression in Liquid Biopsy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12416. [PMID: 34830300 PMCID: PMC8623757 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human malignant melanoma shows a high rate of mortality after metastasization, and its incidence is continuously rising worldwide. Several studies have suggested that MCAM/MUC18/CD146 plays an important role in the progression of this malignant disease. MCAM/MUC18/CD146 is a typical single-spanning transmembrane glycoprotein, existing as two membrane isoforms, long and short, and an additional soluble form, sCD146. We previously documented that molecular MCAM/MUC18/CD146 expression is strongly associated with disease progression. Recently, we showed that MCAM/MUC18/CD146 and ABCB5 can serve as melanoma-specific-targets in the selection of highly primitive circulating melanoma cells, and constitute putative proteins associated with disease spreading progression. Here, we analyzed CD146 molecular expression at onset or at disease recurrence in an enlarged melanoma case series. For some patients, we also performed the time courses of molecular monitoring. Moreover, we explored the role of soluble CD146 in different cohorts of melanoma patients at onset or disease progression, rather than in clinical remission, undergoing immune therapy or free from any clinical treatment. We showed that MCAM/MUC18/CD146 can be considered as: (1) a membrane antigen suitable for identification and enrichment in melanoma liquid biopsy; (2) a highly effective molecular "warning" marker for minimal residual disease monitoring; and (3) a soluble protein index of inflammation and putative response to therapeutic treatments.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- CD146 Antigen/blood
- CD146 Antigen/chemistry
- CD146 Antigen/genetics
- Disease Progression
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Gene Expression
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Liquid Biopsy
- Longitudinal Studies
- Male
- Melanoma/blood
- Melanoma/genetics
- Melanoma/pathology
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/blood
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/genetics
- Neoplasm, Residual/blood
- Neoplasm, Residual/genetics
- Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/metabolism
- Skin Neoplasms/blood
- Skin Neoplasms/genetics
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- Solubility
- Young Adult
- Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Rapanotti
- Department of Onco-Haematology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (G.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Elisa Cugini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (G.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Marzia Nuccetelli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (G.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Alessandro Terrinoni
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (G.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Cosimo Di Raimondo
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.D.R.); (P.L.); (T.C.); (E.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Paolo Lombardo
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.D.R.); (P.L.); (T.C.); (E.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Gaetana Costanza
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (G.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Terenzio Cosio
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.D.R.); (P.L.); (T.C.); (E.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Piero Rossi
- Department of Surgery Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Augusto Orlandi
- Anatomic Pathology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Campione
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.D.R.); (P.L.); (T.C.); (E.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (G.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Marcel Blot-Chabaud
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), UMR-S 1076, Aix-Marseille University, UFR Pharmacy, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.D.R.); (P.L.); (T.C.); (E.C.); (L.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Jandova J, Wondrak GT. Vemurafenib Drives Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Gene Expression in BRAF Inhibitor‒Resistant BRAF V600E/NRAS Q61K Melanoma Enhancing Tumor Growth and Metastasis in a Bioluminescent Murine Model. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:1456-1465.e1. [PMID: 34687745 PMCID: PMC9021323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) resistance compromises long-term survivorship of patients with malignant melanoma, and mutant NRAS is a major mediator of BRAFi resistance. In this study, employing phenotypic and transcriptomic analysis of isogenic melanoma cells that differ only by NRAS mutational status (BRAFi-sensitive A375-BRAFV600E/NRASQ61 vs. BRAFi-resistant A375-BRAFV600E/NRASQ61K), we show that BRAFi (vemurafenib) treatment selectively targets BRAFV600E/NRASQ61K cells upregulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene expression, paradoxically promoting invasiveness and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. First, NanoString nCounter transcriptomic analysis identified the upregulation of specific gene expression networks (EMT and EMT to metastasis) as a function of NRASQ61K status. Strikingly, BRAFi treatment further exacerbated the upregulation of genes promoting EMT in BRAFV600E/NRASQ61K cells (with opposing downregulation of EMT-driver genes in the BRAFV600E/NRASQ61 genotype) as detected by EMT-focused RT2 Profiler qPCR array analysis. In BRAFV600E/NRASQ61K cells, BRAFi treatment enhanced proliferation and invasiveness, together with activation of phosphorylated protein kinase B (Ser473), with opposing phenotypic effects observable in BRAFV600E/NRASQ61 cells displaying downregulation of phosphorylated protein kinase B and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. In a SCID mouse bioluminescent melanoma metastasis model, BRAFi treatment enhanced lung tumor burden imposed by BRAFV600E/NRASQ61K cells while blocking BRAFV600E/NRASQ61 metastasis. These preclinical data document the BRAFi-driven enhancement of tumorigenesis and metastasis in BRAFi-resistant human BRAFV600E/NRASQ61K melanoma, a finding with potential clinical implications for patients with NRAS-driven BRAFi-resistant tumors receiving BRAFi treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Jandova
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA; UA Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Georg T Wondrak
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA; UA Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Cheng F, Cheng Y, Zhao X, An L, Yang L, Li Z, Zhang L, He R. NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin protein ligase serves an important role in cutaneous melanoma occurrence and development. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1382. [PMID: 34650630 PMCID: PMC8506948 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to discuss the effects and relative mechanisms of NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (NEDD4) in cutaneous melanoma (CMM) occurrence and development. Clinical cancer and adjacent normal tissues samples were collected to analyze pathological changes and protein expression of NEDD4. Moreover, small interfering (si)RNA was used to knockdown NEDD4 expression in SK-MEL-2 and Malme-3M cells. Cellular proliferation, apoptosis, invasiveness and migration were examined using colony formation, flow cytometric, Transwell and wound-healing assays, respectively. In addition, the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of NEDD4, notch receptor 1 (Notch1) and PTEN were evaluated via reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q) PCR and western blotting. It was found that NEDD4 mRNA and protein expression were significantly upregulated (both P<0.01). Following NEDD4-knockdown, colony number was significantly decreased, while the apoptotic rate was significantly increased, the invasive cell number was significantly inhibited and the wound-healing capacity was significantly decreased. Following si-NEDD4 transfection, RT-qPCR and western blotting revealed that NEDD4 and Notch1 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly downregulated, while those of PTEN were significantly upregulated in the SK-MEL-2 and Malme-3M cell lines. Collectively, the current results suggest that NEDD4-knockdown effectively suppressed CMM biological activity by regulating the Notch1/PTEN pathway in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Xingtai People's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei 054001, P.R. China
| | - Yi Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Xingtai People's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei 054001, P.R. China
| | - Lihui An
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Xingtai People's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei 054001, P.R. China
| | - Linfang Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Xingtai People's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei 054001, P.R. China
| | - Zihan Li
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Xingtai People's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei 054001, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second People's Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, Guizhou 550023, P.R. China
| | - Runzhi He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Xingtai People's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei 054001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Tanda ET, d'Amato AL, Rossi G, Croce E, Boutros A, Cecchi F, Spagnolo F, Queirolo P. Merkel Cell Carcinoma: An Immunotherapy Fairy-Tale? Front Oncol 2021; 11:739006. [PMID: 34631574 PMCID: PMC8495203 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.739006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly aggressive, neuroendocrine cutaneous tumor. The incidence of MCC is growing worldwide, and the disease-related mortality is about three-fold higher than melanoma. Since a few years ago, very little has been known about this disease, and chemotherapy has been the standard of care. Nowadays, new discoveries about the pathophysiology of this neoplasm and the introduction of immunotherapy allowed to completely rewrite the history of these patients. In this review, we provide a summary of the most important changes in the management of Merkel cell carcinoma, with a focus on immunotherapy and a landscape of future treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Teresa Tanda
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.,Medical Oncology, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Agostina Lagodin d'Amato
- Medical Oncology, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rossi
- Medical Oncology, Ospedale Padre Antero Micone, Genova, Italy.,Department on Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Elena Croce
- Medical Oncology, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Boutros
- Medical Oncology, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Cecchi
- Medical Oncology, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Spagnolo
- Medical Oncology, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Queirolo
- Division of Medical Oncology for Melanoma, Sarcoma, and Rare Tumors, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia (IEO), European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hamis SJ, Kapelyukh Y, McLaren A, Henderson CJ, Roland Wolf C, Chaplain MAJ. Quantifying ERK activity in response to inhibition of the BRAFV600E-MEK-ERK cascade using mathematical modelling. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:1552-60. [PMID: 34621046 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01565-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Simultaneous inhibition of multiple components of the BRAF-MEK-ERK cascade (vertical inhibition) has become a standard of care for treating BRAF-mutant melanoma. However, the molecular mechanism of how vertical inhibition synergistically suppresses intracellular ERK activity, and consequently cell proliferation, are yet to be fully elucidated. METHODS We develop a mechanistic mathematical model that describes how the mutant BRAF inhibitor, dabrafenib, and the MEK inhibitor, trametinib, affect BRAFV600E-MEK-ERK signalling. The model is based on a system of chemical reactions that describes cascade signalling dynamics. Using mass action kinetics, the chemical reactions are re-expressed as ordinary differential equations that are parameterised by in vitro data and solved numerically to obtain the temporal evolution of cascade component concentrations. RESULTS The model provides a quantitative method to compute how dabrafenib and trametinib can be used in combination to synergistically inhibit ERK activity in BRAFV600E-mutant melanoma cells. The model elucidates molecular mechanisms of vertical inhibition of the BRAFV600E-MEK-ERK cascade and delineates how elevated BRAF concentrations generate drug resistance to dabrafenib and trametinib. The computational simulations further suggest that elevated ATP levels could be a factor in drug resistance to dabrafenib. CONCLUSIONS The model can be used to systematically motivate which dabrafenib-trametinib dose combinations, for treating BRAFV600E-mutated melanoma, warrant experimental investigation.
Collapse
|