Kinome profiling identifies MARK3 and STK10 as potential therapeutic targets in uveal melanoma.

Most uveal melanoma cases harbor activating mutations in either GNAQ or GNA11. Despite activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway downstream of Gαq/11, there are no effective targeted kinase therapies for metastatic uveal melanoma. The human genome encodes numerous understudied kinases, also called the "dark kinome". Identifying additional kinases regulated by Gαq/11 may uncover novel therapeutic targets for uveal melanoma. In this study, we treated GNAQ-mutant uveal melanoma cell lines with a Gαq/11 inhibitor, YM-254890, and conducted a kinase signaling proteomic screen using multiplexed-kinase inhibitors followed by mass spectrometry. We observed downregulated expression and/or activity of 22 kinases. A custom siRNA screen targeting these kinases demonstrated that knockdown of microtubule affinity regulating kinase 3 (MARK3) and serine/threonine kinase 10 (STK10) significantly reduced uveal melanoma cell growth and decreased expression of cell cycle proteins. Additionally, knockdown of MARK3 but not STK10 decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Analysis of RNA-sequencing and proteomic data showed that Gαq signaling regulates STK10 expression and MARK3 activity. Our findings suggest an involvement of STK10 and MARK3 in the Gαq/11 oncogenic pathway and prompt further investigation into the specific roles and targeting potential of these kinases in uveal melanoma.

Novel therapeutic strategies and targets in advanced uveal melanoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Currently, there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved or effective treatment options for advanced-stage uveal melanoma. In this article, we focus on therapeutic targets in pathways/mechanisms associated with common mutations in uveal melanoma. We review the challenges associated with targeting of these pathways and novel treatment strategies. RECENT FINDINGS: Common mutations that promote uveal melanoma initiation and progression include alterations in G protein subunit alpha q/11 (GNAQ/GNA11) and breast cancer gene 1-associated protein 1 (BAP1). Mutant GNAQ/GNA11 induces constitutive activation of tumorigenic pathways such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and yes-associated protein. Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) downstream of ERK1/2, however, was shown in trials to have limited clinical benefit. Recent reports suggested that combination therapies of MEK inhibition and modulators of mechanisms of drug resistance may improve tumor responses to MEK inhibitors. BAP1 has been shown to be involved in modulating chromatin dynamics and deubiquitination of proteins. Hence, epigenetic inhibitors are being investigated in BAP1 mutant uveal melanoma. However, other functions of BAP1, such as in DNA damage repair and cell cycle regulation, indicate additional targets for treatment of BAP1 mutant uveal melanoma. In addition, the frequent delayed development of uveal melanoma macrometastases is likely due to cellular dormancy mechanisms. Nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group F, member 1 and transforming growth factor beta 2 were among factors that have been shown in other cancers to induce dormant phenotypes. SUMMARY: Findings from studies in uveal melanoma and in other cancers provide evidence for potential strategies that may be tested preclinically and clinically in advanced-stage uveal melanoma to improve treatment outcome and overall survival of patients.

Activity of ABCG2 Is Regulated by Its Expression and Localization in DHT and Cyclopamine-Treated Breast Cancer Cells.

Elevated expression of the efflux transporter, ATP-binding cassette subfamily G isoform 2 (ABCG2) on the plasma membrane of cancer cells contributes to the development of drug resistance and is a key characteristic of cancer stem cells. In this study, gene expression analysis identified that treatment of the MCF-7 and T-47D breast cancer cell lines with the androgen, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and the Hedgehog signaling inhibitor, cyclopamine downregulated ABCG2 mRNA levels. In MCF-7 cells, and in Hoechst 33342(lo) /CD44(hi) /CD24(lo) breast cancer stem-like cells isolated from MCF-7 cultures, ABCG2 was accumulated in cell-to-cell junction complexes and in large cytoplasmic aggresome-like vesicles. DHT treatments, which decreased cellular ABCG2 protein levels, led to diminished ABCG2 localization in both cell-to-cell junction complexes and in cytoplasmic vesicles. In contrast, cyclopamine, which did not alter ABCG2 protein levels, induced accumulation of ABCG2 in cytoplasmic vesicles, reducing its localization in cell-to-cell junction complexes. The reduced localization of ABCG2 at the plasma membrane of MCF-7 cells was associated with decreased efflux of the ABCG2 substrate, mitoxantrone, and increased sensitivity of cyclopamine-treated cultures to the cytotoxic effects of mitoxantrone. Together, these findings indicate that DHT and cyclopamine reduce ABCG2 activity in breast cancer cells by distinct mechanisms, providing evidence to advocate the adjunct use of analogous pharmaceutics to increase or prolong the efficacy of breast cancer treatments. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2249-2259, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lineage commitment pathways epigenetically oppose oncogenic Gαq/11-YAP signaling in dormant disseminated uveal melanoma.

The mechanisms driving late relapse in uveal melanoma (UM) patients remains a medical mystery and major challenge. Clinically it is inferred that UM disseminated cancer cells (DCCs) persist asymptomatic for years-to-decades mainly in the liver before they manifest as symptomatic metastasis. Here we reveal using Gαq/11 mut /BAP wt human uveal melanoma models and human UM metastatic samples, that the neural crest lineage commitment nuclear receptor NR2F1 is a key regulator of spontaneous UM DCC dormancy in the liver. Using a quiescence reporter, RNA-seq and multiplex imaging we revealed that rare dormant UM DCCs upregulate NR2F1 expression and genes related to neural crest programs while repressing gene related to cell cycle progression. Gain and loss of function assays showed that NR2F1 silences YAP1/TEAD1 transcription downstream of Gαq/11 signaling and that NR2F1 expression can also be repressed by YAP1. YAP1 expression is repressed by NR2F1 binding to its promoter and changing the histone H3 tail activation marks to repress YAP1 transcription. In vivo CRISPR KO of NR2F1 led dormant UM DCCs to awaken and initiate relentless liver metastatic growth. Cut&Run and bulk RNA sequencing further confirmed that NR2F1 epigenetically stimulates neuron axon guidance and neural lineage programs, and it globally represses gene expression linked to G-protein signaling to drive dormancy. Pharmacological inhibition of Gαq/11 mut signaling resulted in NR2F1 upregulation and robust UM growth arrest, which was also achieved using a novel NR2F1 agonist. Our work sheds light on the molecular underpinnings of UM dormancy revealing that transcriptional programs driven by NR2F1 epigenetically short-circuit Gαq/11 signaling to its downstream target YAP1. Highlights: Quiescent solitary uveal melanoma (UM) DCCs in the liver up- and down-regulate neural crest and cell cycle progression programs, respectively.NR2F1 drives solitary UM DCC dormancy by antagonizing the Gαq/11-YAP1 pathway; small molecule Gαq/11 inhibition restores NR2F1 expression and quiescence. NR2F1 short-circuits oncogenic YAP1 and G-protein signaling via a chromatin remodeling program. Loss of function of NR2F1 in dormant UM DCCs leads to aggressive liver metastasis.

Slow proliferation of BAP1-deficient uveal melanoma cells is associated with reduced S6 signaling and resistance to nutrient stress.

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the deadliest form of eye cancer in adults. Inactivating mutations and/or loss of expression of the gene encoding BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) in UM tumors are associated with an increased risk of metastasis. To investigate the mechanisms underlying this risk, we explored the functional consequences of BAP1 deficiency. UM cell lines expressing mutant BAP1 grew more slowly than those expressing wild-type BAP1 in culture and in vivo. The ability of BAP1 reconstitution to restore cell proliferation in BAP1-deficient cells required its deubiquitylase activity. Proteomic analysis showed that BAP1-deficient cells had decreased phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 and its upstream regulator, p70S6K1, compared with both wild-type and BAP1 reconstituted cells. In turn, expression of p70S6K1 increased S6 phosphorylation and proliferation of BAP1-deficient UM cells. Consistent with these findings, BAP1 mutant primary UM tumors expressed lower amounts of p70S6K1 target genes, and S6 phosphorylation was decreased in BAP1 mutant patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), which grew more slowly than wild-type PDXs in the liver (the main metastatic site of UM) in mice. BAP1-deficient UM cells were also more resistant to amino acid starvation, which was associated with diminished phosphorylation of S6. These studies demonstrate that BAP1 deficiency slows the proliferation of UM cells through regulation of S6 phosphorylation. These characteristics may be associated with metastasis by ensuring survival during amino acid starvation.

Co-Targeting FASN and mTOR Suppresses Uveal Melanoma Growth.

Uveal melanoma (UM) displays a high frequency of metastasis; however, effective therapies for metastatic UM are limited. Identifying unique metabolic features of UM may provide a potential targeting strategy. A lipid metabolism protein expression signature was induced in a normal choroidal melanocyte (NCM) line transduced with GNAQ (Q209L), a driver in UM growth and development. Consistently, UM cells expressed elevated levels of fatty acid synthase (FASN) compared to NCMs. FASN upregulation was associated with increased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) levels. FASN and mTOR inhibitors alone significantly reduced UM cell growth. Concurrent inhibition of FASN and mTOR further reduced UM cell growth by promoting cell cycle arrest and inhibiting glucose utilization, TCA cycle metabolism, and de novo fatty acid biosynthesis. Our findings indicate that FASN is important for UM cell growth and co-inhibition of FASN and mTOR signaling may be considered for treatment of UM.

The AMP-dependent kinase pathway is upregulated in BAP1 mutant uveal melanoma.

Metastatic uveal melanoma (UM) responds poorly to targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Loss of BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) via inactivating mutations in the BAP1 gene is associated with UM progression. Thus, molecular alterations caused by BAP1 dysfunction may be novel therapeutic targets for metastatic UM. Here, we found that phosphorylation of AMP-dependent kinase (AMPK) was elevated in BAP1-altered (or mutant) compared to BAP1-unaltered (or wild-type [WT]) UM tumors. As a readout of AMPK pathway activation, phosphorylation of an AMPK downstream effector, acetyl-CoA-carboxylase (ACC), was also elevated. BAP1 re-expression in BAP1-null UM cell lines decreased phospho-AMPK (pAMPK) and phospho-ACC (pACC) levels. AMPK phosphorylation is mediated by calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2) and potentially liver kinase B1 (LKB1) in BAP1 mutant UM cells. Knockdown of AMPKα1/2 reduced the viability of BAP1 mutant UM cells, indicating a survival function of AMPK in BAP1 mutant UM. Our data suggest that the AMPK pathway is an important mechanism mediating the survival of BAP1 mutant UM. Targeting the AMPK pathway may be a novel therapeutic strategy for metastatic UM.

Multi-omics Profiling Shows BAP1 Loss Is Associated with Upregulated Cell Adhesion Molecules in Uveal Melanoma.

BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) is a tumor suppressor gene that is mutated in cancer, including uveal melanoma. Loss-of-function BAP1 mutations are associated with uveal melanoma metastasis and poor prognosis, but the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. Upregulation of cell-cell adhesion proteins is involved with collective migration and metastatic seeding of cancer cells. Here, we show that BAP1 loss in uveal melanoma patient samples is associated with upregulated gene expression of multiple cell adhesion molecules (CAM), including E-cadherin (CDH1), cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1), and syndecan-2 (SDC2). Similar findings were observed in uveal melanoma cell lines and single-cell RNA-sequencing data from uveal melanoma patient samples. BAP1 reexpression in uveal melanoma cells reduced E-cadherin and CADM1 levels. Functionally, knockdown of E-cadherin decreased spheroid cluster formation and knockdown of CADM1 decreased growth of BAP1-mutant uveal melanoma cells. Together, our findings demonstrate that BAP1 regulates the expression of CAMs which may regulate metastatic traits. IMPLICATIONS: BAP1 mutations and increased metastasis may be due to upregulation of CAMs.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase inactivation causes glycolytic phenotype in BAP1 mutant uveal melanoma.

Effective therapeutic options are still lacking for uveal melanoma (UM) patients who develop metastasis. Metastatic traits of UM are linked to BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) mutations. Cell metabolism is re-programmed in UM with BAP1 mutant UM, but the underlying mechanisms and opportunities for therapeutic intervention remain unclear. BAP1 mutant UM tumors have an elevated glycolytic gene expression signature, with increased expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex and PDH kinase (PDHK1). Furthermore, BAP1 mutant UM cells showed higher levels of phosphorylated PDHK1 and PDH that was associated with an upregulated glycolytic profile compared to BAP1 wild-type UM cells. Suppressing PDHK1-PDH phosphorylation decreased glycolytic capacity and cell growth, and induced cell cycle arrest of BAP1 mutant UM cells. Our results suggest that PDHK1-PDH phosphorylation is a causative factor of glycolytic phenotypes found in BAP1 mutant UM and propose a therapeutic opportunity for BAP1 mutant UM patients.

The Latest on Uveal Melanoma Research and Clinical Trials: Updates from the Cure Ocular Melanoma (CURE OM) Science Meeting (2019).

Uveal melanoma is a rare cancer in adults, but its treatment is one of the clinical unmet needs in the melanoma field. Metastatic disease develops in approximately 50% of patients and is associated with poor survival due to the lack of effective treatment options. It provides a paradigm for cancers that show evidence of aberrant G protein-coupled receptor signaling, tumor dormancy, and liver-selective metastatic tropism and are associated with the loss of the BAP1 tumor suppressor. At the Melanoma Research Foundation CURE OM Science Meeting at the Society for Melanoma Research Meeting held in Utah on November 20, 2019, clinicians and researchers presented findings from their studies according to three themes within uveal melanoma: (i) ongoing clinical trials, (ii) molecular determinants, and (iii) novel targets that could be translated into clinical trials. This meeting underscored the high interest in the uveal melanoma research field and the unmet need for effective treatment strategies for late-stage disease. Findings from ongoing clinical trials are promising, and multiple studies show how novel combinatorial strategies increase response rates. Novel targets and tumor vulnerabilities identified bioinformatically or through high-throughput screens also reveal new opportunities to target uveal melanoma. The future directions pursued by the uveal melanoma research field will likely have an impact on other cancer types that harbor similar genetic alterations and/or show similar biological properties.

BAP1 mutant uveal melanoma is stratified by metabolic phenotypes with distinct vulnerability to metabolic inhibitors.

Cancer cell metabolism is a targetable vulnerability; however, a precise understanding of metabolic heterogeneity is required. Inactivating mutations in BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) are associated with metastasis in uveal melanoma (UM), the deadliest adult eye cancer. BAP1 functions in UM remain unclear. UM patient sample analysis divided BAP1 mutant UM tumors into two subgroups based on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) gene expression suggesting metabolic heterogeneity. Consistent with patient data, transcriptomic analysis of BAP1 mutant UM cell lines also showed OXPHOShigh or OXPHOSlow subgroups. Integrated RNA sequencing, metabolomics, and molecular analyses showed that OXPHOShigh BAP1 mutant UM cells utilize glycolytic and nucleotide biosynthesis pathways, whereas OXPHOSlow BAP1 mutant UM cells employ fatty acid oxidation. Furthermore, the two subgroups responded to different classes of metabolic suppressors. Our findings indicate that targeting cancer metabolism is a promising therapeutic option for BAP1 mutant UM; however, tailored approaches may be required due to metabolic heterogeneities.

Metabolic Adaptations to MEK and CDK4/6 Cotargeting in Uveal Melanoma.

Frequent GNAQ and GNA11 mutations in uveal melanoma hyperactivate the MEK-ERK signaling pathway, leading to aberrant regulation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) and cell-cycle progression. MEK inhibitors (MEKi) alone show poor efficacy in uveal melanoma, raising the question of whether downstream targets can be vertically inhibited to provide long-term benefit. CDK4/6 selective inhibitors are FDA-approved in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer in combination with ER antagonists/aromatase inhibitors. We determined the effects of MEKi plus CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) in uveal melanoma. In vitro, palbociclib, a CDK4/6i, enhanced the effects of MEKi via downregulation of cell-cycle proteins. In contrast, in vivo CDK4/6 inhibition alone led to cytostasis and was as effective as MEKi plus CDK4/6i treatment at delaying tumor growth. RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of the oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) pathway in both MEKi-resistant tumors and CDK4/6i-tolerant tumors. Furthermore, oxygen consumption rate was increased following MEKi + CDK4/6i treatment. IACS-010759, an OxPhos inhibitor, decreased uveal melanoma cell survival in combination with MEKi + CDK4/6i. These data highlight adaptive upregulation of OxPhos in response to MEKi + CDK4/6i treatment in uveal melanoma and suggest that suppression of this metabolic state may improve the efficacy of MEKi plus CDK4/6i combinations.

Stromal fibroblast growth factor 2 reduces the efficacy of bromodomain inhibitors in uveal melanoma.

Alterations in transcriptional programs promote tumor development and progression and are targetable by bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein inhibitors. However, in a multi-site clinical trial testing the novel BET inhibitor, PLX51107, in solid cancer patients, liver metastases of uveal melanoma (UM) patients progressed rapidly following treatment. Mechanisms of resistance to BET inhibitors in UM are unknown. We show that fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) rescued UM cells from growth inhibition by BET inhibitors, and FGF2 effects were reversible by FGF receptor (FGFR) inhibitors. BET inhibitors also increased FGFR protein expression in UM cell lines and in patient tumor samples. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) secrete FGF2, and HSC-conditioned medium provided resistance of UM cells to BET inhibitors. PLX51107 was ineffective in vivo, but the combination of a FGFR inhibitor, AZD4547, and PLX51107 significantly suppressed the growth of xenograft UM tumors formed from subcutaneous inoculation of UM cells with HSCs and orthotopically in the liver. These results suggest that co-targeting of FGFR signaling is required to increase the responses of metastatic UM to BET inhibitors.

Inhibition of NF-κB-Dependent Signaling Enhances Sensitivity and Overcomes Resistance to BET Inhibition in Uveal Melanoma.

Bromodomain and extraterminal protein inhibitors (BETi) are epigenetic therapies aimed to target dysregulated gene expression in cancer cells. Despite early successes of BETi in a range of malignancies, the development of drug resistance may limit their clinical application. Here, we evaluated the mechanisms of BETi resistance in uveal melanoma, a disease with little treatment options, using two approaches: a high-throughput combinatorial drug screen with the clinical BET inhibitor PLX51107 and RNA sequencing of BETi-resistant cells. NF-κB inhibitors synergistically sensitized uveal melanoma cells to PLX51107 treatment. Furthermore, genes involved in NF-κB signaling were upregulated in BETi-resistant cells, and the transcription factor CEBPD contributed to the mechanism of resistance. These findings suggest that inhibitors of NF-κB signaling may improve the efficacy of BET inhibition in patients with advanced uveal melanoma. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings provide evidence that inhibitors of NF-κB signaling synergize with BET inhibition in in vitro and in vivo models, suggesting a clinical utility of these targeted therapies in patients with uveal melanoma.

Dysregulated GPCR Signaling and Therapeutic Options in Uveal Melanoma.

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults and arises from the transformation of melanocytes in the uveal tract. Even after treatment of the primary tumor, up to 50% of patients succumb to metastatic disease. The liver is the predominant organ of metastasis. There is an important need to provide effective treatment options for advanced stage uveal melanoma. To provide the preclinical basis for new treatments, it is important to understand the molecular underpinnings of the disease. Recent genomic studies have shown that mutations within components of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling are early events associated with approximately 98% of uveal melanomas.Implications: This review discusses the alterations in GPCR signaling components (GNAQ and GNA11), dysregulated GPCR signaling cascades, and viable targeted therapies with the intent to provide insight into new therapeutic strategies in uveal melanoma. Mol Cancer Res; 15(5); 501-6. ©2017 AACR.

Co-targeting HGF/cMET Signaling with MEK Inhibitors in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma.

Patients with metastatic uveal melanoma usually die within 1 year of diagnosis, emphasizing an urgent need to develop new treatment strategies. The liver is the most common site of metastasis. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors improve survival in V600 BRAF-mutated cutaneous melanoma patients but have limited efficacy in patients with uveal melanoma. Our previous work showed that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling elicits resistance to MEK inhibitors in metastatic uveal melanoma. In this study, we demonstrate that expression of two BH3-only family proteins, Bim-EL and Bmf, contributes to HGF-mediated resistance to MEK inhibitors. Targeting HGF/cMET signaling with LY2875358, a neutralizing and internalizing anti-cMET bivalent antibody, and LY2801653, a dual cMET/RON inhibitor, overcomes resistance to trametinib provided by exogenous HGF and by conditioned medium from primary hepatic stellate cells. We further determined that activation of PI3Kα/γ/δ isoforms mediates the resistance to MEK inhibitors by HGF. Combination of LY2801653 with trametinib decreases AKT phosphorylation and promotes proapoptotic PARP cleavage in metastatic uveal melanoma explants. Together, our data support the notion that selectively blocking cMET signaling or PI3K isoforms in metastatic uveal melanoma may break the intrinsic resistance to MEK inhibitors provided by factors from stromal cells in the liver. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(3); 516-28. ©2017 AACR.