Growth-inhibitory and antiangiogenic activity of the MEK inhibitor PD0325901 in malignant melanoma with or without BRAF mutations.

Abstract

The Raf/MEK/ERK pathway is an important mediator of tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Here, we investigated the growth-inhibitory and antiangiogenic properties of PD0325901, a novel MEK inhibitor, in human melanoma cells. PD0325901 effects were determined in a panel of melanoma cell lines with different genetic aberrations. PD0325901 markedly inhibited ERK phosphorylation and growth of both BRAF mutant and wild-type melanoma cell lines, with IC(50) in the nanomolar range even in the least responsive models. Growth inhibition was observed both in vitro and in vivo in xenograft models, regardless of BRAF mutation status, and was due to G(1)-phase cell cycle arrest and subsequent induction of apoptosis. Cell cycle (cyclin D1, c-Myc, and p27(KIP1)) and apoptosis (Bcl-2 and survivin) regulators were modulated by PD0325901 at the protein level. Gene expression profiling revealed profound modulation of several genes involved in the negative control of MAPK signaling and melanoma cell differentiation, suggesting alternative, potentially relevant mechanisms of action. Finally, PD0325901 inhibited the production of the proangiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin 8 at a transcriptional level. In conclusion, PD0325901 exerts potent growth-inhibitory, proapoptotic, and antiangiogenic activity in melanoma lines, regardless of their BRAF mutation status. Deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of action of MEK inhibitors will likely translate into more effective treatment strategies for patients experiencing malignant melanoma.

• Authors: Ludovica Ciuffreda, Donatella Del Bufalo, Marianna Desideri, Cristina Di Sanza, Antonella Stoppacciaro, Maria Rosaria Ricciardi, Sabina Chiaretti, Simona Tavolaro, Barbara Benassi, Alfonso Bellacosa, Robin Foà, Agostino Tafuri, Francesco Cognetti, Andrea Anichini, Gabriella Zupi, Michele Milella
• Journal: Neoplasia (New York, N.Y.) (Neoplasia) Vol. 11 Issue 8 Pg. 720-31 (Aug 2009) ISSN: 1476-5586 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19649202 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors
• Antineoplastic Agents
• Benzamides
• Enzyme Inhibitors
• mirdametinib
• Diphenylamine
• BRAF protein, human
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
• MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases

Topics

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors (pharmacology)
• Animals
• Antineoplastic Agents (pharmacology)
• Apoptosis (drug effects)
• Benzamides (pharmacology)
• Blotting, Western
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Proliferation (drug effects)
• Diphenylamine (analogs & derivatives, pharmacology)
• Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay
• Enzyme Inhibitors (pharmacology)
• Female
• Gene Expression (drug effects)
• Humans
• MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases (antagonists & inhibitors, drug effects)
• Melanoma (genetics, metabolism)
• Mice
• Mice, Nude
• Mutation
• Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
• Phosphorylation (drug effects)
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf (genetics)
• Signal Transduction (drug effects)
• Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays