Mapping the Immune Landscape in Metastatic Melanoma Reveals Localized Cell-Cell Interactions That Predict Immunotherapy Response.

While immune checkpoint-based immunotherapy (ICI) shows promising clinical results in patients with cancer, only a subset of patients responds favorably. Response to ICI is dictated by complex networks of cellular interactions between malignant and nonmalignant cells. Although insights into the mechanisms that modulate the pivotal antitumoral activity of cytotoxic T cells (Tcy) have recently been gained, much of what has been learned is based on single-cell analyses of dissociated tumor samples, resulting in a lack of critical information about the spatial distribution of relevant cell types. Here, we used multiplexed IHC to spatially characterize the immune landscape of metastatic melanoma from responders and nonresponders to ICI. Such high-dimensional pathology maps showed that Tcy gradually evolve toward an exhausted phenotype as they approach and infiltrate the tumor. Moreover, a key cellular interaction network functionally linked Tcy and PD-L1+ macrophages. Mapping the respective spatial distributions of these two cell populations predicted response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy with high confidence. These results suggest that baseline measurements of the spatial context should be integrated in the design of predictive biomarkers to identify patients likely to benefit from ICI. SIGNIFICANCE: This study shows that spatial characterization can address the challenge of finding efficient biomarkers, revealing that localization of macrophages and T cells in melanoma predicts patient response to ICI. See related commentary by Smalley and Smalley, p. 3198.

Evolutionary predictability of genetic versus nongenetic resistance to anticancer drugs in melanoma.

Therapy resistance arises from heterogeneous drug-tolerant persister cells or minimal residual disease (MRD) through genetic and nongenetic mechanisms. A key question is whether specific molecular features of the MRD ecosystem determine which of these two distinct trajectories will eventually prevail. We show that, in melanoma exposed to mitogen-activated protein kinase therapeutics, emergence of a transient neural crest stem cell (NCSC) population in MRD concurs with the development of nongenetic resistance. This increase relies on a glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-dependent signaling cascade, which activates the AKT survival pathway in a focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-dependent manner. Ablation of the NCSC population through FAK inhibition delays relapse in patient-derived tumor xenografts. Strikingly, all tumors that ultimately escape this treatment exhibit resistance-conferring genetic alterations and increased sensitivity to extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibition. These findings identify an approach that abrogates the nongenetic resistance trajectory in melanoma and demonstrate that the cellular composition of MRD deterministically imposes distinct drug resistance evolutionary paths.

BNIP3 promotes HIF-1α-driven melanoma growth by curbing intracellular iron homeostasis.

BNIP3 is a mitophagy receptor with context-dependent roles in cancer, but whether and how it modulates melanoma growth in vivo remains unknown. Here, we found that elevated BNIP3 levels correlated with poorer melanoma patient's survival and depletion of BNIP3 in B16-F10 melanoma cells compromised tumor growth in vivo. BNIP3 depletion halted mitophagy and enforced a PHD2-mediated downregulation of HIF-1α and its glycolytic program both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that BNIP3-deprived melanoma cells displayed increased intracellular iron levels caused by heightened NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, which fostered PHD2-mediated HIF-1α destabilization. These effects were not phenocopied by ATG5 or NIX silencing. Restoring HIF-1α levels in BNIP3-depleted melanoma cells rescued their metabolic phenotype and tumor growth in vivo, but did not affect NCOA4 turnover, underscoring that these BNIP3 effects are not secondary to HIF-1α. These results unravel an unexpected role of BNIP3 as upstream regulator of the pro-tumorigenic HIF-1α glycolytic program in melanoma cells.

Association of HERV-K and LINE-1 hypomethylation with reduced disease-free survival in melanoma patients.

Aim: To evaluate CpG methylation of long interspersed nuclear elements 1 (LINE-1) and human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) retroelements as potential prognostic biomarkers in cutaneous melanoma. Materials & methods: Methylation of HERV-K and LINE-1 retroelements was assessed in resected melanoma tissues from 82 patients ranging in age from 14 to 88 years. In addition, nevi from eight patients were included for comparison with nonmalignant melanocytic lesions. Results: Methylation levels were lower in melanomas than in nevi. HERV-K and LINE-1 methylation were decreased in melanoma patients with clinical parameters associated with adverse prognosis, while they were independent of age and gender. Hypomethylation of HERV-K (but not LINE-1) was an independent predictor of reduced disease-free survival. Conclusion: HERV-K hypomethylation can be a potential independent biomarker of melanoma recurrence.

The EMT Transcription Factor ZEB2 Promotes Proliferation of Primary and Metastatic Melanoma While Suppressing an Invasive, Mesenchymal-Like Phenotype.

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-inducing transcription factors (TF) are well known for their ability to induce mesenchymal states associated with increased migratory and invasive properties. Unexpectedly, nuclear expression of the EMT-TF ZEB2 in human primary melanoma has been shown to correlate with reduced invasion. We report here that ZEB2 is required for outgrowth for primary melanomas and metastases at secondary sites. Ablation of Zeb2 hampered outgrowth of primary melanomas in vivo, whereas ectopic expression enhanced proliferation and growth at both primary and secondary sites. Gain of Zeb2 expression in pulmonary-residing melanoma cells promoted the development of macroscopic lesions. In vivo fate mapping made clear that melanoma cells undergo a conversion in state where ZEB2 expression is replaced by ZEB1 expression associated with gain of an invasive phenotype. These findings suggest that reversible switching of the ZEB2/ZEB1 ratio enhances melanoma metastatic dissemination. SIGNIFICANCE: ZEB2 function exerts opposing behaviors in melanoma by promoting proliferation and expansion and conversely inhibiting invasiveness, which could be of future clinical relevance. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/14/2983/F1.large.jpg.

Low expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Bak and Smac indicates prolonged progression-free survival in chemotherapy-treated metastatic melanoma.

Despite the introduction of novel targeted therapies, chemotherapy still remains the primary treatment for metastatic melanoma in poorly funded healthcare environments or in case of disease relapse, with no reliable molecular markers for progression-free survival (PFS) available. As chemotherapy primarily eliminates cancer cells by apoptosis, we here evaluated if the expression of key apoptosis regulators (Bax, Bak, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Smac, Procaspase-9, Apaf-1, Procaspase-3 and XIAP) allows prognosticating PFS in stage III/IV melanoma patients. Following antibody validation, marker expression was determined by automated and manual scoring of immunohistochemically stained tissue microarrays (TMAs) constructed from treatment-naive metastatic melanoma biopsies. Interestingly and counter-intuitively, low expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Bak and Smac indicated better prognosis (log-rank p < 0.0001, p = 0.0301 and p = 0.0227 for automated and p = 0.0422, p = 0.0410 and p = 0.0073 for manual scoring). These findings were independently validated in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) metastatic melanoma cohort (TCGA-SKCM) at transcript level (log-rank p = 0.0004, p = 0.0104 and p = 0.0377). Taking expression heterogeneity between the markers in individual tumour samples into account allowed defining combinatorial Bax, Bak, Smac signatures that were associated with significantly increased PFS (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0028 at protein and transcript level, respectively). Furthermore, combined low expression of Bax, Bak and Smac allowed predicting prolonged PFS (> 12 months) on a case-by-case basis (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) = 0.79). Taken together, our results therefore suggest that Bax, Bak and Smac jointly define a signature with potential clinical utility in chemotherapy-treated metastatic melanoma.

Melanoma susceptibility variant rs869330 in the MTAP gene is associated with melanoma outcome.

The rising incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM), an aggressive skin cancer, emphasizes the need for novel biomarkers to guide personalized care and better predict outcome. Genetic factors including germline risk variants are promising candidates for this aim. We explored the association between germline risk variants and melanoma outcome in a large genetically homogenous Belgian melanoma population, focusing on single nucleotide polymorphisms which generated the highest association with melanoma susceptibility. Between 2004 and 2014, blood samples of 1088 patients with histologically confirmed CM were collected and genotyped for nine variants. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between each single nucleotide polymorphism and relapse-free survival and overall survival, adjusted by age, sex, melanoma stage, site, and subtype. We identified significant associations for rs869330 (in the methylthioadenosine phosphorylase - MTAP gene) with overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.760, P = 0.048, 95% confidence interval: 0.580-0.998) and relapse-free survival (hazard ratio = 0.800, P = 0.020, 95% confidence interval: 0.650-0.970). This exploratory study is the first to show a significant association between the rs869330 variant (in the MTAP gene) and outcome in a large CM population.

Targeting PDGF-mediated recruitment of pericytes blocks vascular mimicry and tumor growth.

Aggressive tumor cells can adopt an endothelial cell-like phenotype and contribute to the formation of a tumor vasculature, independent of tumor angiogenesis. This adoptive mechanism is referred to as vascular mimicry and it is associated with poor survival in cancer patients. To what extent tumor cells capable of vascular mimicry phenocopy the angiogenic cascade is still poorly explored. Here, we identify pericytes as important players in vascular mimicry. We found that pericytes are recruited by vascular mimicry-positive tumor cells in order to facilitate sprouting and to provide structural support of the vascular-like networks. The pericyte recruitment is mediated through platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B. Consequently, preventing PDGF-B signaling by blocking the PDGF receptors with either the small tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib or blocking antibodies inhibits vascular mimicry and tumor growth. Collectively, the current study identifies an important role for pericytes in the formation of vascular-like structures by tumor cells. Moreover, the mechanism that controls the pericyte recruitment provides therapeutic opportunities for patients with aggressive vascular mimicry-positive cancer types. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Scleroderma-like cutaneous lesions during treatment with paclitaxel and gemcitabine in a patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced skin sclerosis is generally not associated with other manifestations of systemic sclerosis. It is featured by skin sclerosis without visceral involvement (i.e., Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, and pulmonary fibrosis), temporal association with chemotherapy administration, and the absence of detectable autoantibodies. The clinical course of scleroderma-like changes induced by paclitaxel or gemcitabine are refractory to treatment and commonly progressive, even after discontinuation of the triggering drugs. OBJECTIVE: Report a case of scleroderma-like cutaneous lesions during combination treatment with nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in a patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and determine other published cases of scleroderma-like skin changes following treatment with nab-paclitaxel, paclitaxel, or gemcitabine through the period from 2002 to 2018. METHODS: Literature search from the year 2002 onwards using combinations of "Scleroderma" AND "paclitaxel," AND/OR "gemcitabine." RESULTS: Additional to our case report we reviewed 14 other cases in the literature. Most of these cases share three prominent features: skin sclerosis without systemic involvement, temporal association with chemotherapy administration, and absence of detectable scleroderma-specific autoantibodies. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first case report of scleroderma-like cutaneous lesions during combination treatment with nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in a patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, given the current literature, these scleroderma-like lesions are most likely induced by nab-paclitaxel or paclitaxel, rather than by gemcitabine.

Mouse Cutaneous Melanoma Induced by Mutant BRaf Arises from Expansion and Dedifferentiation of Mature Pigmented Melanocytes.

To identify the cells at the origin of melanoma, we combined single-cell lineage-tracing and transcriptomics approaches with time-lapse imaging. A mouse model that recapitulates key histopathological features of human melanomagenesis was created by inducing a BRafV600E-driven melanomagenic program in tail interfollicular melanocytes. Most targeted mature, melanin-producing melanocytes expanded clonally within the epidermis before losing their differentiated features through transcriptional reprogramming and eventually invading the dermis. Tumors did not form within interscales, which contain both mature and dormant amelanotic melanocytes. The hair follicle bulge, which contains melanocyte stem cells, was also refractory to melanomagenesis. These studies identify varying tumor susceptibilities within the melanocytic lineage, highlighting pigment-producing cells as the melanoma cell of origin, and indicate that regional variation in tumor predisposition is dictated by microenvironmental cues rather than intrinsic differences in cellular origin. Critically, this work provides in vivo evidence that differentiated somatic cells can be reprogrammed into cancer initiating cells.

Response to targeted therapy in two patients with metastatic melanoma carrying rare BRAF exon 15 mutations: A598_T599insV and V600_K601delinsE.

Concurrent BRAF-MEK inhibition improves clinical outcomes in patients with advanced BRAF V600E/K-mutant melanoma. There is currently less evidence for the efficacy of this treatment in patients with rare BRAF non-V600E/K genotypes. We report on two patients with rare BRAF exon 15 mutations - BRAF A598_T599insV and V600_K601delinsE - obtaining clinical benefit and a radiological response to inhibitors directed against the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. This highlights the importance of using tests that detect both V600E/K and non-V600E/K BRAF mutations to keep open the possibility of treatment with targeted therapy in patients with uncommon, yet potentially actionable, BRAF exon 15 mutations.

Comprehensive DNA methylation study identifies novel progression-related and prognostic markers for cutaneous melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, with an increasing incidence and mortality rate. Currently, staging of patients with primary melanoma is performed using histological biomarkers such as tumor thickness and ulceration. As disruption of the epigenomic landscape is recognized as a widespread feature inherent in tumor development and progression, we aimed to identify novel biomarkers providing additional clinical information over current factors using unbiased genome-wide DNA methylation analyses. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive DNA methylation analysis during all progression stages of melanoma using Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChips on a discovery cohort of benign nevi (n = 14) and malignant melanoma from both primary (n = 33) and metastatic (n = 28) sites, integrating the DNA methylome with gene expression data. We validated the discovered biomarkers in three independent validation cohorts by pyrosequencing and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: We identified and validated biomarkers for, and pathways involved in, melanoma development (e.g., HOXA9 DNA methylation) and tumor progression (e.g., TBC1D16 DNA methylation). In addition, we determined a prognostic signature with potential clinical applicability and validated PON3 DNA methylation and OVOL1 protein expression as biomarkers with prognostic information independent of tumor thickness and ulceration. CONCLUSIONS: Our data underscores the importance of epigenomic regulation in triggering metastatic dissemination through the inactivation of central cancer-related pathways. Inactivation of cell-adhesion and differentiation unleashes dissemination, and subsequent activation of inflammatory and immune system programs impairs anti-tumoral defense pathways. Moreover, we identify several markers of tumor development and progression previously unrelated to melanoma, and determined a prognostic signature with potential clinical utility.

Immunohistochemical Profiling of Corneas With Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy.

PURPOSE: Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is the leading indication for endothelial keratoplasty. Further insight into its pathophysiology is needed to develop alternative therapies. METHODS: Sixteen genes from a previous microarray expression experiment (FECD vs. normal) were validated using immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded corneas (n = 6 FECD, n = 6 normal). The results were quantified manually and semiautomatically. RESULTS: A higher percentage of corneal endothelial cells stained for alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), cytokeratin 7, and superoxide dismutase 3 in FECD versus normal [odds ratios (ORs) of 60.90, 41.70, and 15.16, respectively, P < 0.001]. Dot-like staining for major histocompatibility complex, class II, DR alpha was present in FECD, but not in normal. Higher percentages of stromal cells in FECD versus normal stained for αSMA (OR = 864.26, P < 0.001), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, OR = 6.34, P = 0.005), fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF-7, OR = 2.76, P = 0.011), FGF-9 (OR = 5.97, P < 0.001), receptor FGFR-3 (OR = 13.90, P = < 0.001), and serum amyloid A1 (OR = 3.45, P = 0.023). Higher percentages of corneal epithelial cells stained for αSMA (OR = 2.20, P = 0.006) and BDNF (OR = 3.94, P < 0.001) in FECD versus normal. CONCLUSIONS: These results support a role for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (αSMA), oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase 3), and major histocompatibility complex, class II, DR alpha cells with dendritic morphology in the pathophysiology of FECD. Furthermore, corneal stromal cells express trophic molecules (BDNF and FGFs) and markers of chronic inflammation (serum amyloid A1) in FECD.

Comparative oncogenomics identifies tyrosine kinase FES as a tumor suppressor in melanoma.

Identification and functional validation of oncogenic drivers are essential steps toward advancing cancer precision medicine. Here, we have presented a comprehensive analysis of the somatic genomic landscape of the widely used BRAFV600E- and NRASQ61K-driven mouse models of melanoma. By integrating the data with publically available genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic information from human clinical samples, we confirmed the importance of several genes and pathways previously implicated in human melanoma, including the tumor-suppressor genes phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), LKB1, and others. Importantly, this approach also identified additional putative melanoma drivers with prognostic and therapeutic relevance. Surprisingly, one of these genes encodes the tyrosine kinase FES. Whereas FES is highly expressed in normal human melanocytes, FES expression is strongly decreased in over 30% of human melanomas. This downregulation correlates with poor overall survival. Correspondingly, engineered deletion of Fes accelerated tumor progression in a BRAFV600E-driven mouse model of melanoma. Together, these data implicate FES as a driver of melanoma progression and demonstrate the potential of cross-species oncogenomic approaches combined with mouse modeling to uncover impactful mutations and oncogenic driver alleles with clinical importance in the treatment of human cancer.

Identification of a novel species of papillomavirus in giraffe lesions using nanopore sequencing.

Papillomaviridae form a large family of viruses that are known to infect a variety of vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, birds and fish. Infections usually give rise to minor skin lesions but can in some cases lead to the development of malignant neoplasia. In this study, we identified a novel species of papillomavirus (PV), isolated from warts of four giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis). The sequence of the L1 gene was determined and found to be identical for all isolates. Using nanopore sequencing, the full sequence of the PV genome could be determined. The coding region of the genome was found to contain seven open reading frames (ORF), encoding the early proteins E1, E2 and E5-E7 as well as the late proteins L1 and L2. In addition to these ORFs, a region located within the E2 gene is thought, based on sequence similarities to other papillomaviruses, to encode an E4 protein, although no start codon could be identified. Based on the sequence of the L1 gene, this novel PV was found to be most similar to Capreolus capreolus papillomavirus 1 (CcaPV1), with 67.96% nucleotide identity. We therefore suggest that the virus identified here is given the name Giraffa camelopardalis papillomavirus 1 (GcPV1) and is classified as a novel species within the genus Deltapapillomavirus, in line with the current guidelines for the nomenclature and classification of PVs.

Molecular genetic and immunotherapeutic targets in metastatic melanoma.

In recent years, melanoma treatment has radically changed with the emergence of targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Both have led to improved survival for patients with advanced or unresectable melanoma. Targeted therapies with BRAF inhibitors in the lead use the presence of activating driver mutations to inhibit tumour growth. Forty to 60% of melanomas harbour BRAF mutations, which makes them susceptible to treatment with BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors. In parallel, the development of immunotherapeutic agents has also expanded. These agents stimulate the endogenous immune system of the patient to eradicate cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death 1 (PD-1) resulted in durable responses in a subset of patients. An important issue with immunotherapy lies in the identification of patients who will benefit from treatment. In this review, we will discuss these recent developments in melanoma therapy and highlight the role of the pathologist in both types of treatment.

Identification of Circulating Fibrocytes and Dendritic Derivatives in Corneal Endothelium of Patients With Fuchs' Dystrophy.

Purpose: Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a degenerative eye disorder affecting 4% of Americans older than 40. It is the leading indication for corneal endothelial (CE) transplantation for which there is a global donor shortage. This study aimed to gain further insight into the pathophysiology of FECD and identify targets for nonsurgical therapy. Methods: CE from patients with late-onset FECD was compared with that of normal controls using microarray expression analysis (n = 4 FECD, n = 4 normal), reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (n = 9 FECD, n = 8 normal), and immunohistology (n = 55 FECD, n = 15 normal). Results: This led to the identification of circulating fibrocytes and their dendritic derivatives in all examined CE samples with FECD (in all clinical stages of symptomatic FECD and independent of prior cataract surgery). These cells were not present in normal CE. In this study we characterize their morphology, protein expression profile, number, and localization within the CE layer of patients with FECD. Conclusions: Circulating fibrocytes and their dendritic derivatives are a new aspect of FECD that deserves further investigation. Because they are known to cause fibrosis in a variety of organs, they may play a similar role in FECD and might be a valuable target for nonsurgical therapy.

Evaluation of the Melanocytic Pathology Assessment Tool and Hierarchy for Diagnosis (MPATH-Dx) classification scheme for diagnosis of cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms: Results from the International Melanoma Pathology Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Pathologists use diverse terminology when interpreting melanocytic neoplasms, potentially compromising quality of care. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the Melanocytic Pathology Assessment Tool and Hierarchy for Diagnosis (MPATH-Dx) scheme, a 5-category classification system for melanocytic lesions. METHODS: Participants (n = 16) of the 2013 International Melanoma Pathology Study Group Workshop provided independent case-level diagnoses and treatment suggestions for 48 melanocytic lesions. Individual diagnoses (including, when necessary, least and most severe diagnoses) were mapped to corresponding MPATH-Dx classes. Interrater agreement and correlation between MPATH-Dx categorization and treatment suggestions were evaluated. RESULTS: Most participants were board-certified dermatopathologists (n = 15), age 50 years or older (n = 12), male (n = 9), based in the United States (n = 11), and primary academic faculty (n = 14). Overall, participants generated 634 case-level diagnoses with treatment suggestions. Mean weighted kappa coefficients for diagnostic agreement after MPATH-Dx mapping (assuming least and most severe diagnoses, when necessary) were 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.68-0.71) and 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.71-0.73), respectively, whereas correlation between MPATH-Dx categorization and treatment suggestions was 0.91. LIMITATIONS: This was a small sample size of experienced pathologists in a testing situation. CONCLUSION: Varying diagnostic nomenclature can be classified into a concise hierarchy using the MPATH-Dx scheme. Further research is needed to determine whether this classification system can facilitate diagnostic concordance in general pathology practice and improve patient care.