Melanoma Cell Line M14 Research Articles

Extracellular vesicles microRNA-592 of melanoma stem cells promotes metastasis through activation of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway by targeting PTPN7 in non-stemness melanoma cells

Melanoma, one of the most aggressive malignancies, its high mortality and low survival rates are associated with effective metastatic colonization. Melanoma metastasis hinges on the bidirectional cell-cell communication within the complex metastatic microenvironments (MME). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are recognized as a new class of molecular mediator in MME programing. Published studies show that melanoma EVs can educate MME stromal cells to acquire the pro-metastatic phenotype to enhance metastatic colonization. Whether EVs can mediate the interactions between heterogenous cancer cells within the MME that alter the course of metastasis has not been investigated at the mechanistic level. In this study, melanoma parental cells (MPCs) and paired derivative cancer stem cell line melanoma stem cells (MSCs) that were derived from melanoma cell line M14 were used. We demonstrate that the EVs-mediated crosstalk between the MSCs and the MPCs is a novel mechanism for melanoma metastasis. We characterized miR-592, a relatively novel microRNA of prognostic potential, in mediation of such intercellular crosstalk. EVs can encapsulate and deliver miR-592 to target MPCs. Upon entering, miR-592 inhibits the expression of its gene target protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type7 (PTPN7), a phosphatase targeting MAPKs. This leads to the relief of the inhibitory effect of PTPN7 on MAPK/ERK signaling and consequently the augmentation of metastatic colonization of MPCs. Thus, via the extracellular vesicle miR-592/PTPN7/MAPK axis, melanoma-CSCs can transfer their metastatic ability to the low-metastatic non-CSC melanoma cells.

Sec23a inhibits the self-renewal of melanoma cancer stem cells via inactivation of ER-phagy

BackgroundThe genesis and developments of solid tumors, analogous to the renewal of healthy tissues, are driven by a subpopulation of dedicated stem cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), that exhibit long-term clonal repopulation and self-renewal capacity. CSCs may regulate tumor initiation, growth, dormancy, metastasis, recurrence and chemoresistance. While autophagy has been proposed as a regulator of the stemness of CSCs, the underlying mechanisms requires further elucidation.MethodsThe CSC component in human melanoma cell lines M14 and A375 was isolated and purified by repetitive enrichments for cells that consistently display anchorage-independent spheroid growth. The stemness properties of the CSCs were confirmed in vitro by the expressions of stemness marker genes, the single-cell cloning assay and the serial spheroid formation assay. Subcutaneous tumor transplantation assay in BALB/c nude mice was performed to test the stemness properties of the CSCs in vivo. The autophagic activity was confirmed by the protein level of LC3 and P62, mRFP-LC3B punta and cytoplasmic accumulation of autolysosomes. The morphology of ER was detected with transmission electron microscopy.ResultsIn the present study, by employing stable CSC cell lines derived from human melanoma cell lines M14 and A375, we show for the first time that Sec23a inhibits the self-renewal of melanoma CSCs via inactivation of ER-phagy. Mechanistically, inhibition of Sec23a reduces ER stress and consequently FAM134B-induced ER-phagy. Furthermore, TCGA data mining and analysis show that Sec23a is a favorable diagnostic and prognostic marker for human skin cutaneous melanoma.ConclusionThis study has elucidated a new mechanism underlying the regulation of autophagy on stemness, i.e. CSCs can exploit the SEC23A/ER-stress/FAM134B/ER-phagy axis for the self-renewal. These observations provide new ideas for exploration of the regulatory network of CSC self-renewal to develop CSCs-based therapy strategies for malignant tumors.1GUvTquPwXFE-w4yWuDKxrVideo

S100A8 transported by SEC23A inhibits metastatic colonization via autocrine activation of autophagy

Metastasis is the main cause of failure of cancer treatment. Metastatic colonization is regarded the most rate-limiting step of metastasis and is subjected to regulation by a plethora of biological factors and processes. On one hand, regulation of metastatic colonization by autophagy appears to be stage- and context-dependent, whereas mechanistic characterization remains elusive. On the other hand, interactions between the tumor cells and their microenvironment in metastasis have long been appreciated, whether the secretome of tumor cells can effectively reshape the tumor microenvironment has not been elucidated mechanistically. In the present study, we have identified “SEC23A-S1008-BECLIN1-autophagy axis” in the autophagic regulation of metastatic colonization step, a mechanism that tumor cells can exploit autophagy to exert self-restrain for clonogenic proliferation before the favorable tumor microenvironment is established. Specifically, we employed a paired lung-derived oligometastatic cell line (OL) and the homologous polymetastatic cell line (POL) from human melanoma cell line M14 that differ in colonization efficiency. We show that S100A8 transported by SEC23A inhibits metastatic colonization via autocrine activation of autophagy. Furthermore, we verified the clinical relevance of our experimental findings by bioinformatics analysis of the expression of Sec23a and S100A8 and the clinical-pathological associations. We demonstrate that higher Sec23a and Atg5 expression levels appear to be protective factors and favorable diagnostic (TNM staging) and prognostic (overall survival) markers for skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) and colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) patients. And we confirm the bioinformatics analysis results with SKCM biopsy samples.

A small-molecule antagonist of CXCR1 and CXCR2 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion in melanoma via PI3K/AKT pathway

IntroductionMelanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer with high metastasis rate and mortality. Although the emergence of immunotherapy has brought hope for treatment, the mortality rate of melanoma is still increasing year by year. The underlying mechanism of melanoma tumor progression and metastasis is urgently needed to be clarified. Recently chemokines have been found to play an important role in tumor progression in addition to their immunocytochemical chemotaxis. MethodsIn this study, human melanoma cell lines A375 and M14 were treated with SCH-527123, a small molecule antagonist of CXCR1 and CXCR2. The effects of treatment with SCH-527123 on melanoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated in vitro by CCK-8, colony formation and transwell assays. Apoptosis was also detected by flow cytometry staining with annexin V and propidium iodide (PI). The molecular mechanisms of antagonist mediated were detected by western blot. ResultsThe results showed that SCH-527123 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of melanoma cell lines and promoted apoptosis. The expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 was downregulated after treatment with SCH-527123. PI3K/AKT pathway and downstream signaling were also inhibited at molecular level owing to treated with SCH-527123. ConclusionIn conclusion, our study demonstrated that SCH-527123, a small-molecule antagonist for CXCR1 and CXCR2 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in melanoma via PI3K/AKT pathway.

Lyn Kinase Promotes the Proliferation of Malignant Melanoma Cells through Inhibition of Apoptosis and Autophagy via the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor of cutaneous melanocytes that is characterized by high grade malignancy, rapid progression and high mortality. Thus far, its specific etiological mechanism has been unclear. In this study, we discovered that Lyn kinase expression was up-regulated in melanoma tissues and cells. The function of Lyn was determined by knocking down its expression with a lentivirus containing Lyn shRNA and upregulating its expression with pcDNA3.1-Lyn in the melanoma cell lines M14 and A375. The results showed that Lyn knockdown could significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasiveness through its inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy via the PI3K/Akt pathway in melanoma cell lines. This was further confirmed by treatment with PI3K inhibitor BEZ235. Up-regulation of Lyn promoted the expression of p-Akt and Cyclin D1. Additionally, we investigated the effects of Lyn inhibitor Bafetinib on melanoma cells and the results were consistent with Lyn knockdown. Collectively, our results indicated that Lyn plays a carcinogenic role in multiple cellular functions during melanoma development through regulating apoptosis and autophagy via the PI3K/Akt pathway and may be a valuable potential target for the clinical treatment of melanoma.

A small-molecule antagonist of CXCR1 and CXCR2 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion in melanoma via PI3K/AKT pathway

IntroductionMelanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer with high metastasis rate and mortality. Although the emergence of immunotherapy has brought hope for treatment, the mortality rate of melanoma is still increasing year by year. The underlying mechanism of melanoma tumor progression and metastasis is urgently needed to be clarified. Recently chemokines have been found to play an important role in tumor progression in addition to their immunocytochemical chemotaxis. MethodsIn this study, human melanoma cell lines A375 and M14 were treated with SCH-527123, a small molecule antagonist of CXCR1 and CXCR2. The effects of treatment with SCH-527123 on melanoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated in vitro by CCK-8, colony formation and transwell assays. Apoptosis was also detected by flow cytometry staining with annexin V and propidium iodide (PI). The molecular mechanisms of antagonist mediated were detected by western blot. ResultsThe results showed that SCH-527123 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of melanoma cell lines and promoted apoptosis. The expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 was downregulated after treatment with SCH-527123. PI3K/AKT pathway and downstream signaling were also inhibited at molecular level owing to treated with SCH-527123. ConclusionIn conclusion, our study demonstrated that SCH-527123, a small-molecule antagonist for CXCR1 and CXCR2 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in melanoma via PI3K/AKT pathway.

NPS - 2143 (hydrochloride) inhibits melanoma cancer cell proliferation and induces autophagy and apoptosis.

Melanoma is a common and aggressive skin cancer caused by the oncogenic transformation of melanocytes. NPS-2143 (hydrochloride) is a calcification drug that acts as an antagonist of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and consequently stimulates the release of parathyroid hormone. In the present work, we treated cells from the human melanoma cell line M14 to investigate the effects of NPS-2143 on melanoma cells and elucidate their underlying mechanisms. We observed that NPS-2143 inhibits the survival and proliferation of M14 cells and suppresses the migration and proliferation of M14 cells by inducing apoptosis. The Bax/Bcl‑2 ratio in M14 cells was enhanced by the NPS-2143 treatment, suggesting that the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway was activated. The expression and phosphorylation of proteins involved in the PI3K signaling pathway were altered by NPS-2143 treatment. Our data show that NPS-2143 impacts the viability and induces the apoptosis of melanoma M14 cells through its impact on the PI3K signaling pathway. It suggests that NPS-2143 could represent a promising candidate for melanoma treatment.

Effects of RNA interference targeting the chemokine receptor 7 gene on the invasion and migration of the human melanoma cell line M14

Objective To explore the effects of targeted silencing of the chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7) gene on the invasion and migration of the melanoma cell line M14. Methods Western-blot analysis was performed to determine the protein expression of CXCR7 in melanoma cell lines M14 and A375, and CXCR7-overexpressing M14 cells were used in this study. Cultured M14 cells were divided into three groups: experimental group transfected with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting CXCR7 (CXCR7-siRNA) , negative control group transfected with a negative control siRNA, blank control group receiving no treatment. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western-blot analysis were conducted to determine the mRNA and protein expressions of CXCR7 respectively in M14 cells, Transwell chambers were used to evaluate the invasive activity of M14 cells, and wound healing assay to estimate the migratory activity of M14 cells. Results The experimental group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expressions of CXCR7 compared with the negative control group and blank control group (CXCR7 mRNA: 0.412 ± 0.023 vs. 1.211 ± 0.117 and 1.000 ± 0.102, F= 30.068, P= 0.001; CXCR7 protein: 0.144 ± 0.005 vs. 1 and 1.016 ± 0.004, F=11 485.5, P= 0.000). The number of M14 cells crossing the polycarbonate membrane per high-power field (× 200) was significantly smaller in the experimental group than in the negative control group and blank control group (20.617 ± 1.503 vs. 42.000 ± 6.018 and 43.627 ± 2.152, F= 32.416, P= 0.001). Similarly, the number of migrating M14 cells in wound healing assay was significantly decreased in the experimental group compared with the negative control group and blank control group (15.00 ± 1.10 vs. 44.90 ± 2.20 and 45.30 ± 2.30, F= 2 411.945, P= 0.000). Conclusion Targeted silencing of the CXCR7 gene can significantly inhibit the invasion and migration of M14 cells in vitro, which may provide a potential target for the treatment of cutaneous melanoma. Key words: Melanoma, experimental; Receptors, CXCR7; RNA interference; Neoplasm invasiveness; Cell migration assays

Metastasis suppressor NME1 regulates melanoma cell morphology, self-adhesion and motility via induction of fibronectin expression.

Expression of the metastasis suppressor NME1 in melanoma is associated with reduced cellular motility and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. Herein, we report a novel mechanism through which NME1 controls melanoma cell morphology via upregulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin. Expression of NME1 strongly suppressed cell motility in melanoma cell lines 1205LU and M14. The resulting sedentary phenotype was associated with a more flattened appearance and marked increases in actin stress fibre and focal adhesion formation. NME1‐induced focal adhesions were colocalized with dense deposits of fibronectin, which were absent or minimal in the corresponding NME1‐deficient parental lines. NME1 was a strong inducer of fibronectin mRNA and protein expression, shown with reciprocal approaches of forced NME1 expression and shRNA‐mediated knock‐down. Increased synthesis and ECM deposition of fibronectin was necessary for NME1‐induced cell spreading, as knock‐down of fibronectin opposed the effects of NME1 on cell morphology. Fibronectin knock‐down also reversed the ability of NME1 to promote aggregation when cells were plated on a non‐adherent substratum. Similarly, inhibiting activation of the fibronectin receptor integrin α4β1 with an anti‐α4 antibody reversed the motility‐suppressing effect of NME1. A positive correlation was observed between NME1 and fibronectin mRNA in clinical biopsies of normal skin, benign nevi and primary melanomas, but not in metastatic forms, suggesting the NME1/fibronectin axis represents a barrier to melanoma progression. In summary, these findings indicate fibronectin is an important effector of the motility‐suppressing function of NME1 in melanoma cells.

Neuropilin-1 expressing melanoma cells as a model to study the aggressiveness of metastatic melanoma

Background The molecular mechanisms associated with the acquisition of a metastatic phenotype by melanoma cells are not very well understood. Therefore, the identification of molecular determinants involved in the metastatic switch that may either cause or contribute to the aggressiveness of melanoma is of primary relevance. We had previously identified neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), a co-receptor of the vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), as an important determinant of melanoma aggressiveness, in clones of the human melanoma cell line M14, expressing or not NRP-1 [1,2]. We demonstrated that even though the simultaneous presence of both VEGFR-2 and NRP-1 potentiates VEGF-A secretion and the aggressiveness of melanoma cells, NRP-1 is by itself able to promote cell invasion [1]. During melanoma progression, tumour cells show increased adhesiveness to the vascular wall, invade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and frequently form functional channels similar to vascular vessels (vasculogenic mimicry) [3]. In the present study we analysed the mechanisms responsible for the aggressive phenotype of NRP-1 expressing melanoma cells. Materials and methods Melanoma aggressiveness was evaluated in vitro as cell ability to migrate through an ECM layer in Boyden chambers and to form tubule-like structures on matrigel gels. Pre-incubation of the cells with specific blocking antibodies allowed the identification of specific integrins and other molecules relevant to these processes. The results obtained by anti-integrin antibodies, showing the involvement of avb 5i ntegrin in the aggressiveness of melanoma cells expressing NRP-1, were confirmed by ITGB5 gene silencing and by the use of cilengitide, a potent inhibitor of aν integrins activation. Results

Comparison of essential oil components and in vitro anticancer activity in wild and cultivated Salvia verbenaca

The objectives of our research were to study the chemical composition and the in vitro anticancer effect of the essential oil of Salvia verbenaca growing in natural sites in comparison with those of cultivated (Sc) plants. The oil from wild (Sw) S. verbenaca presented hexadecanoic acid (23.1%) as the main constituent, while the oil from Sc plants contained high quantities of hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (9.7%), scarce in the natural oil (0.7%). The growth-inhibitory and proapoptotic effects of the essential oils from Sw and Sc S. verbenaca were evaluated in the human melanoma cell line M14, testing cell vitality, cell membrane integrity, genomic DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity. Both the essential oils were able to inhibit the growth of the cancer cells examined inducing also apoptotic cell death, but the essential oil from cultivated samples exhibited the major effects.

Abstract 508: Hypoxia influences the response to vemurafenib in V600E mutant melanoma cells

Abstract Melanoma is a cancer still escalating in incidence and despite advances in understanding the molecular nature of melanoma, few treatment options are available for metastatic melanoma. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF-1α), a transcriptional regulator of the hypoxic response has been associated with melanomas. Here we investigated the influence of hypoxia on the treatment with vemurafenib in a panel of BRAF V600E mutant melanoma cell lines, the mechanisms responsible for the prometastatic effects of HIF-1α and the influence of hypoxia on the expression of proteins involved in downstream kinase pathways. Melanoma cell lines M14, 518A2 and A375 were grown in normoxia (21% pO2) and hypoxia (2% pO2) with and without 1mM vemurafenib. Antiproliferative effects were evaluated in a real-time setting in the impedance-based x-CELLigence® system. Western blot analyses of HIF-1α and proteins involved in PI3K, JAK-STAT and MAPK pathways were performed. To evaluate the effects of hypoxia and vemurafenib on cell motility 2D migration and Matrigel® invasion assays were performed. Under hypoxic conditions M14 and A375 cells showed a reduced proliferation rate (-20% for M14 cells and -60% for A375 cells) compared to normoxic conditions. In contrast, 518A2 cells were not susceptible to hypoxic conditions and the proliferation rate did not change. After addition of vemurafenib, hypoxic M14 and 518A2 cells reduced cell growth by additional 20% and 38% compared to normoxic, vemurafenib-treated M14 and 518A2 cells, respectively. Surprisingly, hypoxic vemurafenib-treated A375 cells showed an enhanced cell proliferation rate (+34%) when compared to normoxic, vemurafenib-treated A375 melanoma cells. In Western blot analyses the expression of HIF-1α was reduced in vemurafenib-treated M14 and 518A2 cells but not in A375 cells, reflecting the data obtained by proliferation assays. The expression of pFAK, pERK and pAKT was down-regulated in normoxic and hypoxic, vemurafenib-treated M14 and A375 cells. In contrast, the expression of pERK was up-regulated in normoxic, vemurafenib-treated 518A2 cells, whereas PKCα and pAKT expression levels were up-regulated in hypoxic, vemurafenib-treated and untreated 518A2 cells and the expression of pSTAT3 was up-regulated in normoxic, vemurafenib-treated A375 cells only, showing the cell-type specific response to both, vemurafenib and hypoxia. Motility of hypoxic, vemurafenib-treated A375 cells was enhanced (+45%) when compared to normoxic, vemurafenib-treated A375 cells, whereas the invasion capacity of hypoxic, vemurafenib-treated 518A2 cells was enhanced (+22%) when compared to normoxic, vemurafenib-treated 518A2 cells. Our data indicate that the changes induced by a hypoxic microenvironment can give rise to a subpopulation of highly invasive, therapy resistant melanoma cells and furthermore can affect the response to Vemurafenib in melanoma cells in a cell-type specific manner. Citation Format: Daniela Pucciarelli, Martina Takáčová, Lucia Csaderova, Filippo Juliano, Nina Lengger, Heimo Breiteneder, Silvia Pastorekova, Christine Hafner. Hypoxia influences the response to vemurafenib in V600E mutant melanoma cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 508. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-508

Abstract 2618: PTEN loss as a putative biomarker of synergistic growth inhibitory activity of combined MEK/ERK and PI3K/mTOR pathway blockade

Abstract Background. Complex feedback loops and crosstalk between the MEK/ERK and PI3K/mTOR pathways, thus molecular predictors of sensitivity/resistance and synergistic/antagonistic interactions are urgently needed for the effective clinical development of combination strategies. Here we hypothesize that PTEN status critically modulates the growth inhibitory activity of single and combined MEK and PI3K/mTOR inhibition. Methods. Molecular and functional effects of single and combined MEK (trametinib, T) and mTOR (everolimus, E) blockade were assessed in a panel of 29 cancer cell lines with different molecular ‘drivers’. Pharmacologic interactions were analyzed by conservative isobologram analysis. PTEN role was mechanistically assessed by either silencing PTEN expression by shRNA or overexpressing a functional PTEN protein by stable transfection. Specific proteins and their phosphorylation states were analyzed using Kinexus Antibody Microarrays. Results. In the cell line panel analyzed, the presence of a wt-PTEN was the only significant predictor of sensitivity to T (p=0.001), while BRAF mutations were significantly related to E resistance (p=0.015). PTEN silencing slightly increased resistance to T in the wt-PTEN melanoma cell line M14; conversely, wt-PTEN overexpression in the PTEN-del WM115 cell line, dramatically increased sensitivity to T. E-induced growth inhibition was not significantly affected. Combined MEK and mTOR inhibition resulted in a striking growth inhibitory synergism in cells lacking PTEN expression (CI: 0.4-0.0005), but not in those with an intact PTEN (CI: 1.2-107; p=0.001). However, PTEN silencing restored growth inhibitory synergism of combined T and E in M14 cells (CI:0.36); similarly, the slope of the CI/fraction affected curve was dramatically altered in PTEN-overexpressing WM115 cells, as compared to their control-transfected counterpart, again indicating that PTEN expression/function causally influences functional response to combined MEK and mTOR inhibition. Similar results in terms of synergistic/antagonistic pharmacologic interactions were obtained when either double PI3K/mTOR kinase inhibitors (PF-5212384) or AKT allosteric inhibitors (MK-2206) were used to block the PI3K/mTOR pathway in combination with T. Proteomic analysis indicated that a greater modification of protein expression/phosphorylation profiles in response to MEK or combined MEK/mTOR inhibition occurs in cells lacking a functional PTEN, as compared to the wt-PTEN-expressing ones; preliminary analysis suggests that AKT phosphorylation and NF-κB activation maybe be crucial mediators of synergistic growth-inhibitory interactions occurring with combined treatment. Conclusions. PTEN loss may constitute a suitable genetic/molecular marker of synergistic activity interactions between MEK/ERK and PI3K/mTOR pathway inhibitors. Citation Format: Ludovica Ciuffreda, Italia Falcone, Silvia Matteoni, Andrea Sacconi, Federico Malusa, Teresa De Luca, Ursula Cesta Incani, Anais Del Curatolo, Marina Konopleva, Michael Andreeff, Adriana Eramo, Ruggero De Maria, Donatella Del Bufalo, Francesco Cognetti, Michele Milella. PTEN loss as a putative biomarker of synergistic growth inhibitory activity of combined MEK/ERK and PI3K/mTOR pathway blockade. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2618. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2618

Platelet-derived growth factor C and calpain-3 are modulators of human melanoma cell invasiveness

The molecular mechanisms responsible for the elevated metastatic potential of malignant melanoma are still not fully understood. In order to shed light on the molecules involved in the acquisition by melanoma of a highly aggressive phenotype, we compared the gene expression profiles of two cell clones derived from the human cutaneous metastatic melanoma cell line M14: a highly invasive clone (M14C2/MK18) and a clone (M14C2/C4) with low ability to invade the extracellular matrix (ECM). The highly invasive phenotype of M14C2/MK18 cells was correlated with overexpression of neuropilin-1, activation of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A/VEGFR-2 autocrine loop and secretion of matrix metalloprotease-2. Moreover, in an in vivo murine model, M14C2/MK18 cells displayed a higher growth rate as compared with M14C2/C4 cells, even though in vitro both clones possessed comparable proliferative potential. Microarray analysis in M14C2/MK18 cells showed a strong upregulation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-C, a cytokine that contributes to angiogenesis, and downregulation of calpain-3, a calcium-dependent thiol-protease that regulates specific signalling cascade components. Inhibition of PDGF-C with a specific antibody resulted in a significant decrease in ECM invasion by M14C2/MK18 cells, confirming the involvement of PDGF-C in melanoma cell invasiveness. Moreover, the PDGF-C transcript was found to be upregulated in a high percentage of human melanoma cell lines (17/20), whereas only low PDGF-C levels were detected in a few melanocytic cultures (2/6). By contrast, inhibition of calpain-3 activity in M14C2/C4 control cells, using a specific chemical inhibitor, markedly increased ECM invasion, strongly suggesting that downregulation of calpain-3 plays a role in the acquisition of a highly invasive phenotype. The results indicate that PDGF-C upregulation and calpain-3 downregulation are involved in the aggressiveness of malignant melanoma and suggest that modulators of these proteins or their downstream effectors may synergise with VEGF‑A therapies in combating tumour-associated angiogenesis and melanoma spread.

Rapamycin induces autophagy in the melanoma cell line M14 via regulation of the expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax

Cancer therapy with rapamycin has been successfully implemented for kidney cancer, glioblastoma and prostate cancer. However, there are few studies concerning the effects of rapamycin on the treatment of human melanoma. In this study, we investigated whether rapamycin may be a promising strategy for the effective treatment of melanoma and explored the possible mechanism for this by culturing M14 cells in vitro and treating with rapamycin at three concentrations (10, 50 or 100 nmol/l). MDC and LC3B staining, western blot analysis, flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy were employed. We revealed that rapamycin induced autophagy and inhibited the proliferation of M14 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed an upregulated expression of Bcl-2 and downregulated expression of Bax in M14 cells. In conclusion, rapamycin induced autophagy and inhibited the growth of M14 cells. The mechanism may involve regulation of the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins. Rapamycin appears to be a promising strategy for the effective treatment of melanoma.

Effects of triptolide on the proliferation of and apoptosis in a human melanoma cell line M14

Objective To study the effects of triptolide on the apoptosis in and proliferation of a human melanoma cell line M14.Methods M14 cells were cultured with the presence of 5 concentrations (12.5,25,50,100,200 nmol/L) of triptolide for 24,48 and 72 hours respectively,and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used for the detection of cell proliferation.Some M14 cells were treated with triptolide at 10 nmol/L,20 nmol/L and 30 nmol/L for 48 hours followed by the analysis of cell cycle by flow cytometry and detection of cell apoptosis by flow cytometry following annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide double staining.The morphological changes of M14 cells treated by triptolide at 30 nmol/L for 48 hours were observed by Hoechest 33258 staining.Results Compared with untreated M14 cells,an increase of cell population in S phase was observed in triptolide-treated cells,along with a decline in cell population in G2/M phase.The apoptosis rate was (2.92 ± 0.17)％,(20.99 ± 0.40)％,(34.28 ± 2.04)％ and (63.38 ± 0.71) ％ respectively in M14 cells treated with triptolide at 0,10,20 and 30 nmol/L for 48 hours,suggesting that triptolide enhanced the proliferation of M14 cells in a dose-dependent manner.After treatment with triptolide of 30 nmol/L,M14 cells showed morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis.Conclusion Triptolide could inhibit the proliferation of and induce the apoptosis in M14 human melanoma cells. Key words: Triptolide; Melanoma; Apoptosis

Redox control of cytosolic Akt phosphorylation in PTEN null cells

This article demonstrates a role for intracellular reactive oxygen species in the hyperphosphorylation of Akt in cells that have lost the expression of the tumor suppressor PTEN. Using mouse embryonic fibroblasts in which the expression of PTEN was knocked out, we show that a decrease in intracellular superoxide anion resulted in a rapid dephosphorylation of Akt at Thr308 followed by Ser473. Whereas dephosphorylation was detected in the cytosolic pool of Akt, phosphorylation of the membrane pool of the kinase remained unaffected. Dephosphorylation of cytosolic Akt was attributed to an increase in the interaction between Akt and the catalytic subunit of the protein phosphatase PP2A, which correlated with an increase in the amount of the oxidized versus the reduced form of the kinase. These results were corroborated in the PTEN knockout prostate cancer cell line LNCaP and in the melanoma cell line M14 stably transfected with a constitutively active form of Rac1.

Exposure to 50 Hz electromagnetic field raises the levels of the anti‐apoptotic protein BAG3 in melanoma cells

The expression of the anti-apoptotic protein BAG3 is induced in several cell types by exposure to high temperature, oxidants, and other stressful agents. We investigated whether exposure to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields raised BAG3 levels in the human melanoma cell line M14, in vitro and in orthotopic xenografts. Exposure of cultured cells or xenografts for 6 h or 4 weeks, respectively, produced a significant (P < 0.01) increase in BAG3 protein amounts. Interestingly, at the same times, we could not detect any significant variation in the levels of HSP70/72 protein or cell apoptosis. These results confirm the stressful effect of exposure to ELF in human cells, by identifying BAG3 protein as a marker of ELF-induced stress. Furthermore, they suggest that BAG3 induction by ELF may contribute to melanoma cell survival and/or resistance to therapy.

Identification of the Spiro(oxindole-3,3′-thiazolidine)-Based Derivatives as Potential p53 Activity Modulators

Here, we report the design of new analogues of spirooxoindolepyrrolidine nucleus as modulators of p53 activity. Compounds (3R,7aR)-6-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1H-spiro[imidazo[1,5-c]thiazole-3,3'-indoline]-2',5,7(6H,7aH)-trione (9c) and (3R,7aR)-5'-methyl-6-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-1H-spiro[imidazo[1,5-c]thiazole-3,3'-indoline]-2',5,7(6H,7aH)-trione (10d) are the most potent compounds of this series, inhibiting cell growth of different human tumor cells at submicromolar and micromolar concentrations, respectively. Compound 9c induces apoptotic cell death in human melanoma cell line M14 at 24 h, while in the same condition, treatment with 10d showes a clear arrest at G2/M phase inducing delay of cell cycle progression. Possibly, these activities may be due to inhibition of p53-MDM2 interaction and subsequent p53 release and activation.

Abstract 3539: Overexpression of the ATP Binding Cassette Gene ABCA1 determines resistance to curcumin in M14 melanoma cells

Abstract Background: Curcumin induces apoptosis in many cancer cells and it reduces xenograft growth and the formation of lung metastases in nude mice. Moreover, the plant derived polyphenol has been reported to be able to overcome drug resistance to classical chemotherapy. These features render the drug a promising candidate for tumor therapy especially for cancers known for their high rates concerning therapy resistance like melanoma. Results: We show here that the melanoma cell line M14 is resistant to Curcumin induced apoptosis, which correlates with the absence of any effect on NFkappaB signaling. We show that CXCL1 a chemokine that is down regulated in breast cancer cells by Curcumin in an NFkappaB dependant manner is expressed at variable levels in human melanomas. Yet in M14 cells, CXCL1 expression did not change upon Curcumin treatment. Following the hypothesis that Curcumin is rapidly removed from the resistant cells, we analyzed expression of known multi drug resistance genes and cellular transporters in M14 melanoma cells and in the Curcumin sensitive breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA1, a gene involved in the cellular lipid removal pathway is over-expressed in resistant M14 melanoma as compared to the sensitive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Gene silencing of ABCA1 by siRNA sensitizes M14 cells to the apoptotic effect of Curcumin most likely as a result of reduced basal levels of active NFkappaB. Moreover, ABCA1 silencing alone also induces apoptosis and reduces p65 expression. Conclusion: Resistance to Curcumin thus follows classical pathways and ABCA1 expression should be considered as response marker. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3539.