The Immunology of Psoriasis-Current Concepts in Pathogenesis

Psoriasis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases with a chronic, relapsing-remitting course. The last decades of intense research uncovered a pathological network of interactions between immune cells and other types of cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Emerging evidence indicates that dendritic cells, TH17 cells, and keratinocytes constitute a pathogenic triad in psoriasis. Dendritic cells produce TNF-α and IL-23 to promote T cell differentiation toward TH17 cells that produce key psoriatic cytokines IL-17, IFN-γ, and IL-22. Their activity results in skin inflammation and activation and hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. In addition, other cells and signaling pathways are implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, including TH9 cells, TH22 cells, CD8+ cytotoxic cells, neutrophils, γδ T cells, and cytokines and chemokines secreted by them. New insights from high-throughput analysis of lesional skin identified novel signaling pathways and cell populations involved in the pathogenesis. These studies not only expanded our knowledge about the mechanisms of immune response and the pathogenesis of psoriasis but also resulted in a revolution in the clinical management of patients with psoriasis. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of immune response in psoriatic inflammation is crucial for further studies, the development of novel therapeutic strategies, and the clinical management of psoriasis patients. The aim of the review was to comprehensively present the dysregulation of immune response in psoriasis with an emphasis on recent findings. Here, we described the role of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, monocytes, mast cells, and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), as well as non-immune cells, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and platelets in the initiation, development, and progression of psoriasis.

Circulating miR-3613-5p but not miR-125b-5p, miR-199a-3p, and miR-451a are biomarkers of endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the utility of circulating miR-125b-5p, miR-199a-3p, miR-451a, and miR-3613-5p as biomarkers of endometriosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients with stage III or IV of endometriosis according to the revised American Society of Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) staging classification, as well as control women, were recruited. We created a prospective study conducted on a group of 48 patients (n = 25 controls, n = 24 endometriosis) who had laparoscopic surgery. Blood samples were taken and plasma miRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and assessed with AUC and ROC curves.

RESULTS

MiR-451a and miR-3613-5p were significantly decreased in the plasma of endometriosis patients. miR-451a had a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve 0.8283 and miR-3613-5p had a ROC area under the curve 0.7617. The concentration of circulating miR-125b-5p and miR-199-3p did not differ between endometriosis patients and controls. Plasma miRNA levels did not change with BMI, smoking status, fertility problems, or menstrual pain according to the VAS scale (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Circulating miR-451a and miR-3613-5p levels significantly differed between endometriosis and controls. However, the levels of miR-451a were discordant with previous studies. Therefore, miR-3613-5p may have better potential as the endometriosis biomarker. Circulating miR-125b-5p and miR-199a-3p cannot be used as reliable markers of endometriosis.

Decreased expression of miR-23b is associated with poor survival of endometrial cancer patients

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common types of cancer of the female reproductive system. EC is classified into two types (EC1 and EC2). MiRNAs are single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally. They have aberrant expression profiles in cancer, including EC. This study aimed to assess the level of expression of a panel of 16 miRNAs in both types of EC and healthy endometrium (HE). A total of 45 patients were enrolled into the study, 18 patients diagnosed with EC1, 12 diagnosed with EC2, and 15 HE controls. Tumor tissues or healthy endometrial tissues were dissected from archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) using laser capture microdissection (LCM). RNA was isolated from collected material and the expression of selected miRNAs was determined using the real-time qPCR. We found that miR-23b, miR-125b-5p, miR-199a-3p, miR-221-3p, and miR-451a were downregulated in EC in comparison to HE. Moreover, the expression of miR-34a-5p and miR-146-5p was higher in EC1 compared to EC2. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database confirmed decreased levels of miR-23b, miR-125b-5p, and miR-199a-3p in EC. Decreased miR-23b expression was associated with worse survival of EC patients.

The role of miR-200 family in the regulation of hallmarks of cancer

MiRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally contributing to the development of different diseases including cancer. The miR-200 family consists of five members, miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-200c, miR-141, and miR-429. Their expression is dysregulated in cancer tissue and their level is altered in the body fluids of cancer patients. Moreover, the levels of miR-200 family members correlate with clinical parameters such as cancer patients' survival which makes them potentially useful as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. MiRNAs can act as either oncomiRs or tumor suppressor miRNAs depending on the target genes and their role in the regulation of key oncogenic signaling pathways. In most types of cancer, the miR-200 family acts as tumor suppressor miRNA and regulates all features of cancer. In this review, we summarized the expression pattern of the miR-200 family in different types of cancer and their potential utility as biomarkers. Moreover, we comprehensively described the role of miR-200 family members in the regulation of all hallmarks of cancer proposed by Hanahan and Weinberg with the focus on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasiveness, and metastasis of tumor cells.

Ablation of Tmcc2 Gene Impairs Erythropoiesis in Mice

(1) Background: Transcriptomic and proteomic studies provide a wealth of new genes potentially involved in red blood cell (RBC) maturation or implicated in the pathogenesis of anemias, necessitating validation of candidate genes in vivo; (2) Methods: We inactivated one such candidate, transmembrane and coiled-coil domain 2 (Tmcc2) in mice, and analyzed the erythropoietic phenotype by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and flow cytometry of erythrocytes and erythroid precursors; (3) Results: Tmcc2^−/− pups presented pallor and reduced body weight due to the profound neonatal macrocytic anemia with numerous nucleated RBCs (nRBCs) and occasional multinucleated RBCs. Tmcc2^−/− nRBCs had cytoplasmic intrusions into the nucleus and double membranes. Significantly fewer erythroid cells were enucleated. Adult knockouts were normocytic, mildly polycythemic, with active extramedullary erythropoiesis in the spleen. Altered relative content of different stage CD71⁺TER119⁺ erythroid precursors in the bone marrow indicated a severe defect of erythroid maturation at the polychromatic to orthochromatic transition stage; (4) Conclusions: Tmcc2 is required for normal erythropoiesis in mice. While several phenotypic features resemble congenital dyserythropoietic anemias (CDA) types II, III, and IV, the involvement of TMCC2 in the pathogenesis of CDA in humans remains to be determined.

Novel diagnostic and prognostic factors for the advanced melanoma based on the glycosylation-related changes studied by biophysical profiling methods

Melanoma is a life-threatening disease due to the early onset of metastasis and frequent resistance to the applied treatment. For now, no single histological, immunohistochemical or serological biomarker was able to provide a precise predictive value for the aggressive behavior in melanoma patients. Thus, the search for quantifying methods allowing a simultaneous diagnosis and prognosis of melanoma patients is highly desirable. By investigating specific molecular interactions with some biosensor-based techniques, one can determine novel prognostic factors for this tumor. In our previous study, we have shown the possibility of a qualitative in vitro distinguishing the commercially available melanoma cells at different progression stages based on the measurements of the lectin Concanavalin A interacting with surface glycans present on cells. Here, we present the results of the quantitative diagnostic and prognostic study of both commercial and patient-derived melanoma cells based on the evaluation of two novel factors: lectin affinity and glycan viscoelastic index obtained from the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) measurements. Two approaches to the QCM-D measurements were applied, the first uses the ability of melanoma cells to grow as a monolayer of cells on the sensor (cell-based sensors), and the second shortens the time of the analysis (suspension cell based-sensors). The results were confirmed by the complementary label-free (atomic force microscopy, AFM; and surface plasmon resonance, SPR) and labeling (lectin-ELISA; and microscale thermophoresis, MST) techniques. This new approach provides additional quantitative diagnosis and a personalized prognosis which can be done simultaneously to the traditional histopathological analysis.

A Novel and Effective Method for Human Primary Skin Melanocytes and Metastatic Melanoma Cell Isolation

Simple Summary

The present paper describes a simple, non-enzymatic and effective method of melanocyte or metastatic melanoma cell isolation from skin or lymph node explants, respectively. The method is based on selective harvesting of melanocytes or melanoma cells emigrating from the explants. Thus, isolated cells display specific phenotypical and functional features of melanocytes/melanoma cells such as tyrosinase and Melan-A expression and melanin production. Furthermore, melanocyte or melanoma cell cultures are not contaminated by keratinocytes and/or fibroblasts. The method appears to be a useful tool for studies on the biology of melanocytes and malignant melanoma.

Abstract

The development of an effective method of melanocyte isolation and culture is necessary for basic and clinical studies concerning skin diseases, including skin pigmentation disorders and melanoma. In this paper, we describe a novel, non-enzymatic and effective method of skin melanocyte and metastatic melanoma cell isolation and culture (along with the spontaneous spheroid creation) from skin or lymph node explants. The method is based on the selective harvesting of melanocytes and melanoma cells emigrating from the cultured explants. Thereby, isolated cells retain their natural phenotypical features, such as expression of tyrosinase and Melan-A as well as melanin production and are not contaminated by keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Such melanocyte and melanoma cell cultures may be very useful for medical and cosmetology studies, including studies of antitumor therapies.

Potent but transient immunosuppression of T-cells is a general feature of CD71+ erythroid cells

CD71+ erythroid cells (CECs) have been recently recognized in both neonates and cancer patients as potent immunoregulatory cells. Here, we show that in mice early-stage CECs expand in anemia, have high levels of arginase 2 (ARG2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the spleens of anemic mice, CECs expansion-induced L-arginine depletion suppresses T-cell responses. In humans with anemia, CECs expand and express ARG1 and ARG2 that suppress T-cells IFN-γ production. Moreover, bone marrow CECs from healthy human donors suppress T-cells proliferation. CECs differentiated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells potently suppress T-cell activation, proliferation, and IFN-γ production in an ARG- and ROS-dependent manner. These effects are the most prominent for early-stage CECs (CD71highCD235adim cells). The suppressive properties disappear during erythroid differentiation as more differentiated CECs and mature erythrocytes lack significant immunoregulatory properties. Our studies provide a novel insight into the role of CECs in the immune response regulation.

Inhibition of arginase modulates T-cell response in the tumor microenvironment of lung carcinoma

Immunotherapy has demonstrated significant activity in a broad range of cancer types, but still the majority of patients receiving it do not maintain durable therapeutic responses. Amino acid metabolism has been proposed to be involved in the regulation of immune response. Here, we investigated in detail the role of arginase 1 (Arg1) in the modulation of antitumor immune response against poorly immunogenic Lewis lung carcinoma. We observed that tumor progression is associated with an incremental increase in the number of Arg1⁺ myeloid cells that accumulate in the tumor microenvironment and cause systemic depletion of ʟ-arginine. In advanced tumors, the systemic concentrations of ʟ-arginine are decreased to levels that impair the proliferation of antigen-specific T-cells. Systemic or myeloid-specific Arg1 deletion improves antigen-induced proliferation of adoptively transferred T-cells and leads to inhibition of tumor growth. Arginase inhibitor was demonstrated to modestly inhibit tumor growth when used alone, and to potentiate antitumor effects of anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies and STING agonist. The effectiveness of the combination immunotherapy was insufficient to induce complete antitumor responses, but was significantly better than treatment with the checkpoint inhibitor alone. Together, these results indicate that arginase inhibition alone is of modest therapeutic benefit in poorly immunogenic tumors; however, in combination with other treatment strategies it may significantly improve survival outcomes.

The Role of miRNAs in the Regulation of Endometrial Cancer Invasiveness and Metastasis-A Systematic Review

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common genital cancer in women with increasing death rates. MiRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression on the post-transcriptional levels. Multiple studies demonstrated a fundamental role of miRNAs in the regulation of carcinogenesis. This systematic review is a comprehensive overview of the role of miRNAs in the regulation of cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis in EC. The literature was searched for studies investigating the role of miRNAs in the regulation of invasiveness and metastasis in EC. We explored PubMed, Embase, and Scopus using the following keywords: miRNA, metastasis, invasiveness, endometrial cancer. Data were collected from 163 articles that described the expression and role of 106 miRNAs in the regulation of EC invasiveness and metastasis out of which 63 were tumor suppressor miRNAs, and 38 were oncomiRNAs. Five miRNAs had a discordant role in different studies. Moreover, we identified 66 miRNAs whose expression in tumor tissue or concentration in serum correlated with at least one clinical parameter. These findings suggest a crucial role of miRNAs in the regulation of EC invasiveness and metastasis and present them as potential prognostic factors for patients with EC.

The role of CD71+ erythroid cells in the regulation of the immune response

Complex regulation of the immune response is necessary to support effective defense of an organism against hostile invaders and to maintain tolerance to harmless microorganisms and autoantigens. Recent studies revealed previously unappreciated roles of CD71⁺ erythroid cells (CECs) in regulation of the immune response. CECs physiologically reside in the bone marrow where erythropoiesis takes place. Under stress conditions, CECs are enriched in some organs outside of the bone marrow as a result of extramedullary erythropoiesis. However, the role of CECs goes well beyond the production of erythrocytes. In neonates, increased numbers of CECs contribute to their vulnerability to infectious diseases. On the other side, neonatal CECs suppress activation of immune cells in response to abrupt colonization with commensal microorganisms after delivery. CECs are also enriched in the peripheral blood of pregnant women as well as in the placenta and are responsible for the regulation of feto-maternal tolerance. In patients with cancer, anemia leads to increased frequency of CECs in the peripheral blood contributing to diminished antiviral and antibacterial immunity, as well as to accelerated cancer progression. Moreover, recent studies revealed the role of CECs in HIV and SARS-CoV-2 infections. CECs use a full arsenal of mechanisms to regulate immune response. These cells suppress proinflammatory responses of myeloid cells and T-cell proliferation by the depletion of ʟ-arginine by arginase. Moreover, CECs produce reactive oxygen species to decrease T-cell proliferation. CECs also secrete cytokines, including transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), which promotes T-cell differentiation into regulatory T-cells. Here, we comprehensively describe the role of CECs in orchestrating immune response and indicate some therapeutic approaches that might be used to regulate their effector functions in the treatment of human conditions.

Higher Mutation Burden in High Proliferation Compartments of Heterogeneous Melanoma Tumors

Melanoma tumors are the most heterogeneous of all tumor types. Tumor heterogeneity results in difficulties in diagnosis and is a frequent cause of failure in treatment. Novel techniques enable accurate examination of the tumor cells, considering their heterogeneity. The study aimed to determine the somatic variations among high and low proliferating compartments of melanoma tumors. In this study, 12 archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of previously untreated primary cutaneous melanoma were stained with Ki-67 antibody. High and low proliferating compartments from four melanoma tumors were dissected using laser-capture microdissection. DNA was isolated and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Libraries for amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) were prepared using NEBNext Direct Cancer HotSpot Panel. NGS detected 206 variants in 42 genes in melanoma samples. Most of them were located within exons (135, 66%) and were predominantly non-synonymous single nucleotide variants (99, 73.3%). The analysis showed significant differences in mutational profiles between high and low proliferation compartments of melanoma tumors. Moreover, a significantly higher percentage of variants were detected only in high proliferation compartments (39%) compared to low proliferation regions (16%, p < 0.05). Our results suggest a significant functional role of genetic heterogeneity in melanoma.

Tumor Immune Evasion Induced by Dysregulation of Erythroid Progenitor Cells Development

Cancer cells harness normal cells to facilitate tumor growth and metastasis. Within this complex network of interactions, the establishment and maintenance of immune evasion mechanisms are crucial for cancer progression. The escape from the immune surveillance results from multiple independent mechanisms. Recent studies revealed that besides well-described myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) or regulatory T-cells (Tregs), erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in the regulation of immune response and tumor progression. EPCs are immature erythroid cells that differentiate into oxygen-transporting red blood cells. They expand in the extramedullary sites, including the spleen, as well as infiltrate tumors. EPCs in cancer produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and express programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and potently suppress T-cells. Thus, EPCs regulate antitumor, antiviral, and antimicrobial immunity, leading to immune suppression. Moreover, EPCs promote tumor growth by the secretion of growth factors, including artemin. The expansion of EPCs in cancer is an effect of the dysregulation of erythropoiesis, leading to the differentiation arrest and enrichment of early-stage EPCs. Therefore, anemia treatment, targeting ineffective erythropoiesis, and the promotion of EPC differentiation are promising strategies to reduce cancer-induced immunosuppression and the tumor-promoting effects of EPCs.

Mosaic IL6ST variant inducing constitutive GP130 cytokine receptor signaling as a cause of neonatal onset immunodeficiency with autoinflammation and dysmorphy

Interleukin-6 signal transducer (IL6ST) encodes the GP130 protein which transduces the proinflammatory signaling of the IL6 cytokine family through Janus kinase signal transducers and activators of transcription pathway (JAK/STAT) activation. Biallelic loss-of-function IL6ST variants cause autosomal recessive hyper-IgE syndrome or a variant of the Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome. Somatic gain-of-function IL6ST mutations, in particular, small monoallelic in-frame deletions of which the most prevalent is the IL6ST Ser187_Tyr190del, are an established cause of inflammatory hepatocellular tumors, but so far, no disease caused by such mutations present constitutively has been described. Herein, we report a pediatric proband with a novel syndrome of neonatal onset immunodeficiency with autoinflammation and dysmorphy associated with the IL6ST Tyr186_Tyr190del variant present constitutively. Tyr186_Tyr190del was found by exome sequencing and was shown to be de novo (absent in proband's parents and siblings) and mosaic (present in approximately 15-40% of cells depending on the tissue studied-blood, urine sediment, hair bulbs and buccal swab). Functional studies were performed in the Epstein-Barr virus-immortalized patient's B cell lymphoblastoid cell line, which carried the variant in approximately 95% of the cells. Western blot showed that the patient's cells exhibited constitutive hyperphosphorylation of Tyr705 in STAT3, which is indicative of IL6-independent activation of GP130. Interestingly, the STAT3 phosphorylation could be inhibited with ruxolitinib as well as tofacitinib, which are clinically approved JAK1 and JAK3 (to lesser extent JAK2 and JAK1) inhibitors, respectively. Given our results and the recent reports of ruxolitinib and tofacitinib use for the treatment of diseases caused by direct activation of STAT3 or STAT1, we speculate that these drugs may be effective in the treatment of our patient's condition.

miR-96-5p, miR-134-5p, miR-181b-5p and miR-200b-3p heterogenous expression in sites of prostate cancer versus benign prostate hyperplasia-archival samples study

MicroRNAs are involved in various pathologies including cancer. The aim of the study was to assess the level of expression of miR-96-5p, -134-5p, -181b-5p, -200b-3p in FFPE samples of prostate cancer, adjacent cancer-free tissue, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Samples of 23 FFPE prostate cancer and 22 benign prostatic hyperplasias were dissected and HE stained. Compartments of tumor tissue and adjacent healthy glandular tissue were isolated from each sample using Laser Capture Microdissection. Total RNA was isolated from dissected tissues. Expression of miR-96-5p, miR-134-5p, 181b-5p, and miR-200b-3p was determined by real-time RT-qPCR method. The expression of miR-200b-3p was significantly higher in cancerous prostate: both in adenocarcinomatous glands and in the adjacent, apparently unaffected glands compared to BPH samples. The expression of miR-181b-5p was lower in in both prostate cancer tissues and adjacent tissue compared to BPH samples. Expression of miR-96-5p and miR-134-5p was lower in prostate cancer tissues compared to BPH. Levels of miR-96-5p, miR-134-5p, and 181b-5p negatively correlated with the Gleason score. Given further studies, miR-96-5p, miR-134-5p and especially miR-200b-3p and miR-181b-5p may differentiate BPH and PC.

miR-410-3p is induced by vemurafenib via ER stress and contributes to resistance to BRAF inhibitor in melanoma

Despite significant development of melanoma therapies, death rates remain high. MicroRNAs, controlling posttranscriptionally gene expression, play role in development of resistance to BRAF inhibitors. The aim of the study was to assess the role of miR-410-3p in response to vemurafenib-BRAF inhibitor. FFPE tissue samples of 12 primary nodular melanomas were analyzed. With the use of Laser Capture Microdissection, parts of tumor, transient tissue, and adjacent healthy tissue were separated. In vitro experiments were conducted on human melanoma cell lines A375, G361, and SK-MEL1. IC50s of vemurafenib were determined using MTT method. Cells were transfected with miR-410-3p mimic, anti-miR-410-3p and their non-targeting controls. ER stress was induced by thapsigargin. Expression of isolated RNA was determined using qRT-PCR. We have found miR-410-3p is downregulated in melanoma tissues. Its expression is induced by vemurafenib in melanoma cells. Upregulation of miR-410-3p level increased melanoma cells resistance to vemurafenib, while its inhibition led to the decrease of resistance. Induction of ER stress increased the level of miR-410-3p. miR-410-3p upregulated the expression of AXL in vitro and correlated with markers of invasive phenotype in starBase. The study shows a novel mechanism of melanoma resistance. miR-410-3p is induced by vemurafenib in melanoma cells via ER stress. It drives switching to the invasive phenotype that leads to the response and resistance to BRAF inhibition.

Myeloid Cell-Derived Arginase in Cancer Immune Response

Amino acid metabolism is a critical regulator of the immune response, and its modulating becomes a promising approach in various forms of immunotherapy. Insufficient concentrations of essential amino acids restrict T-cells activation and proliferation. However, only arginases, that degrade L-arginine, as well as enzymes that hydrolyze L-tryptophan are substantially increased in cancer. Two arginase isoforms, ARG1 and ARG2, have been found to be present in tumors and their increased activity usually correlates with more advanced disease and worse clinical prognosis. Nearly all types of myeloid cells were reported to produce arginases and the increased numbers of various populations of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and macrophages correlate with inferior clinical outcomes of cancer patients. Here, we describe the role of arginases produced by myeloid cells in regulating various populations of immune cells, discuss molecular mechanisms of immunoregulatory processes involving L-arginine metabolism and outline therapeutic approaches to mitigate the negative effects of arginases on antitumor immune response. Development of potent arginase inhibitors, with improved pharmacokinetic properties, may lead to the elaboration of novel therapeutic strategies based on targeting immunoregulatory pathways controlled by L-arginine degradation.

Pituitary tumours - a large retrospective single-centre study of over 2300 cases. Experience of a tertiary reference centre

INTRODUCTION

Pituitary adenomas (PAs), also known as a pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNET), are usually benign tumours of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and account for the third most common intracranial neoplasm. The most common type of pituitary adenoma is lactotroph adenoma, in which dopamine agonists are the first-line treatment. Nevertheless, in selected cases surgery or even radiotherapy may be required. In the current study, we aimed to analyse all patients who underwent surgery due to intrasellar mass in order to evaluate frequency of particular pituitary tumours, clinical diagnosis, and pathology findings.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed all cases of patients consecutively operated due to intrasellar mass between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2018 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw, Poland.

RESULTS

Our database included 2348 cases: 1390 women (59.2%) and 958 men (40.8%). The mean age for women was 48.4 years (SD ± 15.72; median 49) and for men 50.9 years (SD ± 14.94; median 53). In our cohort we found: 869 gonadotroph and null cell adenomas, 751 somatotroph and mammosomatotroph adenomas, 386 corticotroph adenomas, 71 plurihormonal adenomas, 59 craniopharyngiomas, 44 lactotroph adenomas, 18 purely thyrotroph adenomas, and other rare cases of pituitary tumours including one pituitary carcinoma metastasising to the liver (corticotroph origin).

CONCLUSIONS

We provide a comprehensive analysis of both clinical and pathological findings of the largest cohort of patients operated on for pituitary adenomas in one tertiary reference centre. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest up-to-date published analysis in our country.

Lineage-dependent role of miR-410-3p as oncomiR in gonadotroph and corticotroph pituitary adenomas or tumor suppressor miR in somatotroph adenomas via MAPK, PTEN/AKT, and STAT3 signaling pathways

PURPOSE

miR-410-3p plays opposite roles in different cancers and may act as an oncomiR or tumor suppressor miR. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of miR-410-3p in somatotroph, gonadotroph, and corticotroph pituitary adenomas.

METHODS

Tissue samples were obtained from 75 patients with pituitary adenoma. miR-410-3p expression was assessed using qRT-PCR performed on RNA isolated from fresh frozen samples. In vitro experiments were performed on cell lines derived from somatotroph (GH3), gonadotroph (RC-4B/C), and corticotroph (AtT-20) pituitary tumors. Cells were transfected with synthetic mimic of miR-410-3p or non-targeting scrambled-miR control. Subsequently, proliferation assays and transwell invasion assays were performed. The expression of cyclin D1, E1, and B1 in cells after transfection was determined using qRT-PCR. The activation of MAPK, PTEN/AKT and STAT3 signaling pathways were assessed using western blot.

RESULTS

We have found that the level of expression of miR-410-3p differs in particular types of pituitary adenomas. miR-410-3p significantly upregulates proliferation and invasiveness of RC-4B/C and AtT-20 cells, while inhibiting GH3 cells. We observed that the levels of cyclin B1 upon transfection with miR-410-3p mimic were increased in RC-4B/C and AtT-20, yet decreased in GH3 cells. We have shown that miR-410-3p promoted the activation of MAPK, PTEN/AKT, and STAT3 signaling pathways in RC-4B/C and AtT-20 cells, but suppressed their activity in GH3 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-410-3p acts as an oncomiR in gonadotroph and corticotroph adenoma cells, while as a tumor suppressor miR in somatotroph adenoma cells.

Intratumor and Intertumor Heterogeneity in Melanoma

Melanoma is a cancer that exhibits one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous features. The incidence rate escalates. A high number of clones harboring various mutations contribute to an exceptional level of intratumor heterogeneity of melanoma. It also refers to metastases which may originate from different subclones of primary lesion. Such component of the neoplasm biology is termed intertumor and intratumor heterogeneity. These levels of tumor heterogeneity hinder accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The increasing number of research on the topic reflects the need for understanding limitation or failure of contemporary therapies. Majority of analyses concentrate on mutations in cancer-related genes. Novel high-throughput techniques reveal even higher degree of variations within a lesion. Consolidation of theories and researches indicates new routes for treatment options such as targets for immunotherapy. The demand for personalized approach in melanoma treatment requires extensive knowledge on intratumor and intertumor heterogeneity on the level of genome, transcriptome/proteome, and epigenome. Thus, achievements in exploration of melanoma variety are described in details. Particularly, the issue of tumor heterogeneity or homogeneity given BRAF mutations is discussed.