Page 61 - Hormel Report 2023

Unraveling the Impact of Novel Targets in Melanoma Drug Resistance, Metastasis, and Immune Therapy Response
Melanoma is one of the most lethal forms of cancer. Significant advances in melanoma research have resulted in new therapies including targeted therapy and immune therapy that have remarkably improved
the management and overall survival of melanoma patients. However, many patients still succumb to the disease because of drug resistance, metastases, and limited response to immune treatment. In this project, we use primary data mining from the TCGA and GEO databases and our RNAseq results to identify potential novel targets. Subsequently, we utilize pre-clinical
models to assess the functional impacts of these targets on melanoma, specifically focusing on drug resistance, metastasis, and immune therapy responses.
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7018-8393
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Molecular and cellular biology in cancer signaling pathways and crosstalk between tumor and tumor microenvironment in cancer progression, metastasis, and resistance to various therapies. Tumors consist of cancer cells within a complex environment called the tumor microenvironment (TME), which includes non-cancerous cells and molecules. Cancer cells interact intricately with immune cells like T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages in the TME. These interactions balance immunosuppression and immune stimulation. Cancer cells can evade immune attacks through mech- anisms like checkpoint activation and cytokine release. Conversely, immune cells recognize cancer cells through antigens on their surface. These interactions decisively influence tumor progression and treatment outcomes. Abnormal signaling pathways within cancer cells drive unchecked growth and survival. Understanding these pathways and the cancer-immune-microenvironment interplay is vital for crafting targeted therapies that counteract cancer growth, boost immune responses, and overcome treatment resistance.
TOPK/PRPK are key mediators in solar UV-induced skin cancer. Illus- tration showcasing the critical roles
of TOPK and PRPK as key drivers in
the formation of solar UV-induced skin cancer. These proteins play important roles in the molecular pathways that underlie the initiation and advancement of skin cancer following exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. TOPK and PRPK serve as vital mediators in these pathways, influencing the progression of UV-induced skin cancer.
PUBLICATION HIGHLIGHTS:
• Wang, Q., Morris, R. J., Bode, A. M., & Zhang, T. (2022).
Prostaglandin Pathways: Opportunities for Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Cancer Research, 82(6), 949-965.
• Wang, Q., Bode, A. M., & Zhang, T. (2023). Targeting CDK1 in cancer: mechanisms and implications. npj Precision Oncology, 7(1), 58.
• Roh, E., Kim, J. E., Zhang, T., Shin, S. H., Kim, B. G.,
Li, J., Ma, X., Lee, K. W., & Dong, Z. (2023). Orobol, 3’-hydroxy-genistein, suppresses the development and regrowth of cutaneous SCC. Biochem Pharmacol, 209, 115415.