@article{BanickaMartensPanzeretal.2022,
  author    = {Banicka, Veronika and Martens, Marie Christine and Panzer, R{\"u}diger and Schrama, David and Emmert, Steffen and Boeckmann, Lars and Thiem, Alexander},
  title     = {Homozygous CRISPR/Cas9 knockout generated a novel functionally active exon 1 skipping XPA variant in melanoma cells},
  series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
  volume    = {23},
  journal   = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
  number    = {19},
  issn      = {1422-0067},
  doi       = {10.3390/ijms231911649},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-290427},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Defects in DNA repair pathways have been associated with an improved response to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). In particular, patients with the nucleotide excision repair (NER) defect disease Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) responded impressively well to ICI treatment. Recently, in melanoma patients, pretherapeutic XP gene expression was predictive for anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) ICI response. The underlying mechanisms of this finding are still to be revealed. Therefore, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt XPA in A375 melanoma cells. The resulting subclonal cell lines were investigated by Sanger sequencing. Based on their genetic sequence, candidates from XPA exon 1 and 2 were selected and further analyzed by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, HCR and MTT assays. In XPA exon 1, we established a homozygous (c.19delG; p.A7Lfs*8) and a compound heterozygous (c.19delG/c.19_20insG; p.A7Lfs*8/p.A7Gfs*55) cell line. In XPA exon 2, we generated a compound heterozygous mutated cell line (c.206_208delTTG/c.208_209delGA; p.I69_D70delinsN/p.D70Hfs*31). The better performance of the homozygous than the heterozygous mutated exon 1 cells in DNA damage repair (HCR) and post-UV-C cell survival (MTT), was associated with the expression of a novel XPA protein variant. The results of our study serve as the fundamental basis for the investigation of the immunological consequences of XPA disruption in melanoma.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchummerSchilling2022,
  author    = {Schummer, Patrick and Schilling, Bastian},
  title     = {How representative are data from global trials on programmed death-1 blockade in melanoma?},
  series = {The British Journal of Dermatology},
  volume    = {187},
  journal   = {The British Journal of Dermatology},
  number    = {3},
  doi       = {10.1111/bjd.21621},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-318406},
  pages     = {283 -- 284},
  year      = {2022},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{KosnopfelSinnbergSaueretal.2020,
  author    = {Kosnopfel, Corinna and Sinnberg, Tobias and Sauer, Birgit and Niessner, Heike and Muenchow, Alina and Fehrenbacher, Birgit and Schaller, Martin and Mertens, Peter R. and Garbe, Claus and Thakur, Basant Kumar and Schittek, Birgit},
  title     = {Tumour progression stage-dependent secretion of YB-1 stimulates melanoma cell migration and invasion},
  series = {Cancers},
  volume    = {12},
  journal   = {Cancers},
  number    = {8},
  issn      = {2072-6694},
  doi       = {10.3390/cancers12082328},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-211206},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Secreted factors play an important role in intercellular communication. Therefore, they are not only indispensable for the regulation of various physiological processes but can also decisively advance the development and progression of tumours. In the context of inflammatory disease, Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) is actively secreted and the extracellular protein promotes cell proliferation and migration. In malignant melanoma, intracellular YB-1 expression increases during melanoma progression and represents an unfavourable prognostic marker. Here, we show active secretion of YB-1 from melanoma cells as opposed to benign cells of the skin. Intriguingly, YB-1 secretion correlates with the stage of melanoma progression and depends on a calcium- and ATP-dependent non-classical secretory pathway leading to the occurrence of YB-1 in the extracellular space as a free protein. Along with an elevated YB-1 secretion of melanoma cells in the metastatic growth phase, extracellular YB-1 exerts a stimulating effect on melanoma cell migration, invasion, and tumourigenicity. Collectively, these data suggest that secreted YB-1 plays a functional role in melanoma cell biology, stimulating metastasis, and may serve as a novel biomarker in malignant melanoma that reflects tumour aggressiveness.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchmidSchmidtHazuretal.2020,
  author    = {Schmid, Rafael and Schmidt, Sonja K. and Hazur, Jonas and Detsch, Rainer and Maurer, Evelyn and Boccaccini, Aldo R. and Hauptstein, Julia and Teßmar, J{\"o}rg and Blunk, Torsten and Schr{\"u}fer, Stefan and Schubert, Dirk W. and Horch, Raymund E. and Bosserhoff, Anja K. and Arkudas, Andreas and Kengelbach-Weigand, Annika},
  title     = {Comparison of hydrogels for the development of well-defined 3D cancer models of breast cancer and melanoma},
  series = {Cancers},
  volume    = {12},
  journal   = {Cancers},
  number    = {8},
  issn      = {2072-6694},
  doi       = {10.3390/cancers12082320},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-211195},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Bioprinting offers the opportunity to fabricate precise 3D tumor models to study tumor pathophysiology and progression. However, the choice of the bioink used is important. In this study, cell behavior was studied in three mechanically and biologically different hydrogels (alginate, alginate dialdehyde crosslinked with gelatin (ADA-GEL), and thiol-modified hyaluronan (HA-SH crosslinked with PEGDA)) with cells from breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and melanoma (Mel Im and MV3), by analyzing survival, growth, and the amount of metabolically active, living cells via WST-8 labeling. Material characteristics were analyzed by dynamic mechanical analysis. Cell lines revealed significantly increased cell numbers in low-percentage alginate and HA-SH from day 1 to 14, while only Mel Im also revealed an increase in ADA-GEL. MCF-7 showed a preference for 1\% alginate. Melanoma cells tended to proliferate better in ADA-GEL and HA-SH than mammary carcinoma cells. In 1\% alginate, breast cancer cells showed equally good proliferation compared to melanoma cell lines. A smaller area was colonized in high-percentage alginate-based hydrogels. Moreover, 3\% alginate was the stiffest material, and 2.5\% ADA-GEL was the softest material. The other hydrogels were in the same range in between. Therefore, cellular responses were not only stiffness-dependent. With 1\% alginate and HA-SH, we identified matrices that enable proliferation of all tested tumor cell lines while maintaining expected tumor heterogeneity. By adapting hydrogels, differences could be accentuated. This opens up the possibility of understanding and analyzing tumor heterogeneity by biofabrication.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{EsnaultSchramaHoubenetal.2022,
  author    = {Esnault, Clara and Schrama, David and Houben, Roland and Guy{\´e}tant, Serge and Desgranges, Audrey and Martin, Camille and Berthon, Patricia and Viaud-Massuard, Marie-Claude and Touz{\´e}, Antoine and Kervarrec, Thibault and Samimi, Mahtab},
  title     = {Antibody-drug conjugates as an emerging therapy in oncodermatology},
  series = {Cancers},
  volume    = {14},
  journal   = {Cancers},
  number    = {3},
  issn      = {2072-6694},
  doi       = {10.3390/cancers14030778},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-262192},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are an emerging class of therapeutics, with twelve FDA- and EMA-approved drugs for hematological and solid cancers. Such drugs consist in a monoclonal antibody linked to a cytotoxic agent, allowing a specific cytotoxicity to tumor cells. In recent years, tremendous progress has been observed in therapeutic approaches for advanced skin cancer patients. In this regard, targeted therapies (e.g., kinase inhibitors) or immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies outperformed conventional chemotherapy, with proven benefit to survival. Nevertheless, primary and acquired resistances as well as adverse events remain limitations of these therapies. Therefore, ADCs appear as an emerging therapeutic option in oncodermatology. After providing an overview of ADC design and development, the goal of this article is to review the potential ADC indications in the field of oncodermatology.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{IsbernerGesierichBalakirouchenaneetal.2022,
  author    = {Isberner, Nora and Gesierich, Anja and Balakirouchenane, David and Schilling, Bastian and Aghai-Trommeschlaeger, Fatemeh and Zimmermann, Sebastian and Kurlbaum, Max and Puszkiel, Alicja and Blanchet, Benoit and Klinker, Hartwig and Scherf-Clavel, Oliver},
  title     = {Monitoring of dabrafenib and trametinib in serum and self-sampled capillary blood in patients with BRAFV600-mutant melanoma},
  series = {Cancers},
  volume    = {14},
  journal   = {Cancers},
  number    = {19},
  issn      = {2072-6694},
  doi       = {10.3390/cancers14194566},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-288109},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Simple Summary In melanoma patients treated with dabrafenib and trametinib, dose reductions and treatment discontinuations related to adverse events (AE) occur frequently. However, the associations between patient characteristics, AE, and exposure are unclear. Our prospective study analyzed serum (hydroxy-)dabrafenib and trametinib exposure and investigated its association with toxicity and patient characteristics. Additionally, the feasibility of at-home sampling of capillary blood was assessed, and a model to convert capillary blood concentrations to serum concentrations was developed. (Hydroxy-)dabrafenib or trametinib exposure was not associated with age, sex, body mass index, or AE. Co-medication with P-glycoprotein inducers was associated with lower trough concentrations of trametinib but not (hydroxy-)dabrafenib. The applicability of the self-sampling of capillary blood was demonstrated. Our conversion model was adequate for estimating serum exposure from micro-samples. The monitoring of dabrafenib and trametinib may be useful for dose modification and can be optimized by at-home sampling and our new conversion model. Abstract Patients treated with dabrafenib and trametinib for BRAF\(^{V600}\)-mutant melanoma often experience dose reductions and treatment discontinuations. Current knowledge about the associations between patient characteristics, adverse events (AE), and exposure is inconclusive. Our study included 27 patients (including 18 patients for micro-sampling). Dabrafenib and trametinib exposure was prospectively analyzed, and the relevant patient characteristics and AE were reported. Their association with the observed concentrations and Bayesian estimates of the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of (hydroxy-)dabrafenib and trametinib were investigated. Further, the feasibility of at-home sampling of capillary blood was assessed. A population pharmacokinetic (popPK) model-informed conversion model was developed to derive serum PK parameters from self-sampled capillary blood. Results showed that (hydroxy-)dabrafenib or trametinib exposure was not associated with age, sex, body mass index, or toxicity. Co-medication with P-glycoprotein inducers was associated with significantly lower trough concentrations of trametinib (p = 0.027) but not (hydroxy-)dabrafenib. Self-sampling of capillary blood was feasible for use in routine care. Our conversion model was adequate for estimating serum PK parameters from micro-samples. Findings do not support a general recommendation for monitoring dabrafenib and trametinib but suggest that monitoring can facilitate making decisions about dosage adjustments. To this end, micro-sampling and the newly developed conversion model may be useful for estimating precise PK parameters.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{WendlingerWohlfarthKreftetal.2022,
  author    = {Wendlinger, Simone and Wohlfarth, Jonas and Kreft, Sophia and Siedel, Claudia and Kilian, Teresa and Dischinger, Ulrich and Heppt, Markus V. and Wistuba-Hamprecht, Kilian and Meier, Friedegund and Goebeler, Matthias and Schadendorf, Dirk and Gesierich, Anja and Kosnopfel, Corinna and Schilling, Bastian},
  title     = {Blood eosinophils are associated with efficacy of targeted therapy in patients with advanced melanoma},
  series = {Cancers},
  volume    = {14},
  journal   = {Cancers},
  number    = {9},
  issn      = {2072-6694},
  doi       = {10.3390/cancers14092294},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-275137},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Background: Eosinophils appear to contribute to the efficacy of immunotherapy and their frequency was suggested as a predictive biomarker. Whether this observation could be transferred to patients treated with targeted therapy remains unknown. Methods: Blood and serum samples of healthy controls and 216 patients with advanced melanoma were prospectively and retrospectively collected. Freshly isolated eosinophils were phenotypically characterized by flow cytometry and co-cultured in vitro with melanoma cells to assess cytotoxicity. Soluble serum markers and peripheral blood counts were used for correlative studies. Results: Eosinophil-mediated cytotoxicity towards melanoma cells, as well as phenotypic characteristics, were similar when comparing healthy donors and patients. However, high relative pre-treatment eosinophil counts were significantly associated with response to MAPKi (p = 0.013). Eosinophil-mediated cytotoxicity towards melanoma cells is dose-dependent and requires proximity of eosinophils and their target in vitro. Treatment with targeted therapy in the presence of eosinophils results in an additive tumoricidal effect. Additionally, melanoma cells affected eosinophil phenotype upon co-culture. Conclusion: High pre-treatment eosinophil counts in advanced melanoma patients were associated with a significantly improved response to MAPKi. Functionally, eosinophils show potent cytotoxicity towards melanoma cells, which can be reinforced by MAPKi. Further studies are needed to unravel the molecular mechanisms of our observations.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LoddeForschnerHasseletal.2021,
  author    = {Lodde, Georg and Forschner, Andrea and Hassel, Jessica and Wulfken, Lena M. and Meier, Friedegund and Mohr, Peter and K{\"a}hler, Katharina and Schilling, Bastian and Loquai, Carmen and Berking, Carola and H{\"u}ning, Svea and Schatton, Kerstin and Gebhardt, Christoffer and Eckardt, Julia and Gutzmer, Ralf and Reinhardt, Lydia and Glutsch, Valerie and Nikfarjam, Ulrike and Erdmann, Michael and Stang, Andreas and Kowall, Bernd and Roesch, Alexander and Ugurel, Selma and Zimmer, Lisa and Schadendorf, Dirk and Livingstone, Elisabeth},
  title     = {Factors influencing the adjuvant therapy decision: results of a real-world multicenter data analysis of 904 melanoma patients},
  series = {Cancers},
  volume    = {13},
  journal   = {Cancers},
  number    = {10},
  issn      = {2072-6694},
  doi       = {10.3390/cancers13102319},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-239583},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Adjuvant treatment of melanoma patients with immune-checkpoint inhibition (ICI) and targeted therapy (TT) significantly improved recurrence-free survival. This study investigates the real-world situation of 904 patients from 13 German skin cancer centers with an indication for adjuvant treatment since the approval of adjuvant ICI and TT. From adjusted log-binomial regression models, we estimated relative risks for associations between various influence factors and treatment decisions (adjuvant therapy yes/no, TT vs. ICI in BRAF mutant patients). Of these patients, 76.9\% (95\% CI 74-80) opted for a systemic adjuvant treatment. The probability of starting an adjuvant treatment was 26\% lower in patients >65 years (RR 0.74, 95\% CI 68-80). The most common reasons against adjuvant treatment given by patients were age (29.4\%, 95\% CI 24-38), and fear of adverse events (21.1\%, 95\% CI 16-28) and impaired quality of life (11.9\%, 95\% CI 7-16). Of all BRAF-mutated patients who opted for adjuvant treatment, 52.9\% (95\% CI 47-59) decided for ICI. Treatment decision for TT or ICI was barely associated with age, gender and tumor stage, but with comorbidities and affiliated center. Shortly after their approval, adjuvant treatments have been well accepted by physicians and patients. Age plays a decisive role in the decision for adjuvant treatment, while pre-existing autoimmune disease and regional differences influence the choice between TT or ICI.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HeuserGototPiotrowskietal.2017,
  author    = {Heuser, Christoph and Gotot, Janine and Piotrowski, Eveline Christina and Philipp, Marie-Sophie and Courr{\`e}ges, Christina Johanna Felicia and Otte, Martin Sylvester and Guo, Linlin and Schmid-Burgk, Jonathan Leo and Hornung, Veit and Heine, Annkristin and Knolle, Percy Alexander and Garbi, Natalio and Serfling, Edgar and Evaristo, C{\´e}sar and Thaiss, Friedrich and Kurts, Christian},
  title     = {Prolonged IKK\(\beta\) Inhibition Improves Ongoing CTL Antitumor Responses by Incapacitating Regulatory T Cells},
  series = {Cell Reports},
  volume    = {21},
  journal   = {Cell Reports},
  number    = {3},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.celrep.2017.09.082},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-173643},
  pages     = {578-586},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {Regulatory T cells (Tregs) prevent autoimmunity but limit antitumor immunity. The canonical NF-\(\kappa\)B signaling pathway both activates immunity and promotes thymic Treg development. Here, we report that mature Tregs continue to require NF-\(\kappa\)B signaling through I\(\kappa\)B-kinase \(\beta\) (IKK\(\beta\)) after thymic egress. Mice lacking IKK\(\beta\) in mature Tregs developed scurfy-like immunopathology due to death of peripheral FoxP3\(^+\) Tregs. Also, pharmacological IKK\(\beta\) inhibition reduced Treg numbers in the circulation by ~50\% and downregulated FoxP3 and CD25 expression and STAT5 phosphorylation. In contrast, activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were resistant to IKK\(\beta\) inhibition because other pathways, in particular nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1) signaling, sustained their survival and expansion. In a melanoma mouse model, IKK\(\beta\) inhibition after CTL cross-priming improved the antitumor response and delayed tumor growth. In conclusion, prolonged IKK\(\beta\) inhibition decimates circulating Tregs and improves CTL responses when commenced after tumor vaccination, indicating that IKK\(\beta\) represents a druggable checkpoint.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HelmprobstKneitzKlotzetal.2021,
  author    = {Helmprobst, Frederik and Kneitz, Susanne and Klotz, Barbara and Naville, Magali and Dechaud, Corentin and Volff, Jean-Nicolas and Schartl, Manfred},
  title     = {Differential expression of transposable elements in the medaka melanoma model},
  series = {PLoS One},
  volume    = {16},
  journal   = {PLoS One},
  number    = {10},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0251713},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-260615},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Malignant melanoma incidence is rising worldwide. Its treatment in an advanced state is difficult, and the prognosis of this severe disease is still very poor. One major source of these difficulties is the high rate of metastasis and increased genomic instability leading to a high mutation rate and the development of resistance against therapeutic approaches. Here we investigate as one source of genomic instability the contribution of activation of transposable elements (TEs) within the tumor. We used the well-established medaka melanoma model and RNA-sequencing to investigate the differential expression of TEs in wildtype and transgenic fish carrying melanoma. We constructed a medaka-specific TE sequence library and identified TE sequences that were specifically upregulated in tumors. Validation by qRT- PCR confirmed a specific upregulation of a LINE and an LTR element in malignant melanomas of transgenic fish.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HoeslFroehlichPoschetal.2021,
  author    = {Hoesl, Christine and Fr{\"o}hlich, Thomas and Posch, Christian and Kneitz, Hermann and Goebeler, Matthias and Schneider, Marlon R. and Dahlhoff, Maik},
  title     = {The transmembrane protein LRIG1 triggers melanocytic tumor development following chemically induced skin carcinogenesis},
  series = {Molecular Oncology},
  volume    = {15},
  journal   = {Molecular Oncology},
  number    = {8},
  doi       = {10.1002/1878-0261.12945},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-238925},
  pages     = {2140 -- 2155},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {The incidence of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer has increased tremendously in recent years. Although novel treatment options have significantly improved patient outcomes, the prognosis for most patients with an advanced disease remains dismal. It is, thus, imperative to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in skin carcinogenesis in order to develop new targeted treatment strategies. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) like the ERBB receptor family, including EGFR/ERBB1, ERBB2/NEU, ERBB3, and ERBB4, are important regulators of skin homeostasis and their dysregulation often results in cancer, which makes them attractive therapeutic targets. Members of the leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains protein family (LRIG1-3) are ERBB regulators and thus potential therapeutic targets to manipulate ERBB receptors. Here, we analyzed the function of LRIG1 during chemically induced skin carcinogenesis in transgenic mice expressing LRIG1 in the skin under the control of the keratin 5 promoter (LRIG1-TG mice). We observed a significant induction of melanocytic tumor formation in LRIG1-TG mice and no difference in papilloma incidence between LRIG1-TG and control mice. Our findings also revealed that LRIG1 affects ERBB signaling via decreased phosphorylation of EGFR and increased activation of the oncoprotein ERBB2 during skin carcinogenesis. The epidermal proliferation rate was significantly decreased during epidermal tumorigenesis under LRIG1 overexpression, and the apoptosis marker cleaved caspase 3 was significantly activated in the epidermis of transgenic LRIG1 mice. Additionally, we detected LRIG1 expression in human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma samples. Therefore, we depleted LRIG1 in human melanoma cells (A375) by CRISPR/Cas9 technology and found that this caused EGFR and ERBB3 downregulation in A375 LRIG1 knockout cells 6 h following stimulation with EGF. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that LRIG1-TG mice develop melanocytic skin tumors during chemical skin carcinogenesis and a deletion of LRIG1 in human melanoma cells reduces EGFR and ERBB3 expression after EGF stimulation.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LivingstoneZarembaHornetal.2020,
  author    = {Livingstone, E. and Zaremba, A. and Horn, S. and Ugurel, S. and Casalini, B. and Schlaak, M. and Hassel, J.C. and Herbst, R. and Utikal, J.S. and Weide, B. and Gutzmer, R. and Meier, F. and Koelsche, C. and Hadaschik, E. and Sucker, A. and Reis, H. and Merkelbach-Bruse, S. and Siewert, M. and Sahm, F. and von Deimling, A. and Cosgarea, I. and Zimmer, L. and Schadendorf, D. and Schilling, B. and Griewank, K.G.},
  title     = {GNAQ and GNA11 mutant nonuveal melanoma: a subtype distinct from both cutaneous and uveal melanoma},
  series = {British Journal of Dermatology},
  volume    = {183},
  journal   = {British Journal of Dermatology},
  number    = {5},
  doi       = {10.1111/bjd.18947},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-215434},
  pages     = {928 -- 939},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Background GNAQ and GNA11 mutant nonuveal melanoma represent a poorly characterized rare subgroup of melanoma with a gene mutation profile similar to uveal melanoma. Objectives To characterize these tumours in terms of clinical behaviour and genetic characteristics. Methods Patients with nonuveal GNAQ/11 mutated melanoma were identified from the prospective multicentre tumour tissue registry ADOREG, Tissue Registry in Melanoma (TRIM) and additional cooperating skin cancer centres. Extensive data on patient, tumour and treatment characteristics were collected retrospectively. Targeted sequencing was used to determine tumour mutational burden. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed for programmed death-ligand 1 and BRCA1-associated protein (BAP)1. Existing whole-exome cutaneous and uveal melanoma data were analysed for mutation type and burden. Results We identified 18 patients with metastatic GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanoma. Tumours had a lower tumour mutational burden and fewer ultraviolet signature mutations than cutaneous melanomas. In addition to GNAQ and GNA11 mutations (nine each), six splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1), three eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1A X-linked (EIF1AX) and four BAP1 mutations were detected. In contrast to uveal melanoma, GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanomas frequently metastasized lymphatically and concurrent EIF1AX, SF3B1 and BAP1 mutations showed no apparent association with patient prognosis. Objective response to immunotherapy was poor with only one partial response observed in 10 treated patients (10\%). Conclusions Our findings suggest that GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanomas are a subtype of melanoma that is both clinically and genetically distinct from cutaneous and uveal melanoma. As they respond poorly to available treatment regimens, novel effective therapeutic approaches for affected patients are urgently needed. What is already known about this topic? The rare occurrence of GNAQ/11 mutations in nonuveal melanoma has been documented. GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanomas also harbour genetic alterations in EIF1AX, SF3B1 and BAP1 that are of prognostic relevance in uveal melanoma. What does this study add? GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanomas show metastatic spread reminiscent of cutaneous melanoma, but not uveal melanoma. GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanomas have a low tumour mutational burden that is higher than uveal melanoma, but lower than cutaneous melanoma. What is the translational message? Primary GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanomas are a subtype of melanoma that is clinically and genetically distinct from both cutaneous and uveal melanoma. As metastatic GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanomas respond poorly to available systemic therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibition, novel therapeutic approaches for these tumours are urgently needed.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GlutschAmaralGarbeetal.2020,
  author    = {Glutsch, Valerie and Amaral, Teresa and Garbe, Claus and Thoms, Kai-Martin and Mohr, Peter and Hauschild, Axel and Schilling, Bastian},
  title     = {Indirect Comparison of Combined BRAF and MEK Inhibition in Melanoma Patients with Elevated Baseline Lactate Dehydrogenase},
  series = {Acta Dermato-Venereologica},
  volume    = {100},
  journal   = {Acta Dermato-Venereologica},
  doi       = {10.2340/00015555-3526},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-230190},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {The approval of BRAF and MEK inhibitors has signifi-cantly improved treatment outcomes for patients with BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma. The 3 first-line targeted therapy trials have provided similar results, and thus the identification of predictive biomarkers may generate a more precise basis for clinical deci-sion-making. Elevated baseline lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has already been determined as a strong prog-nostic factor. Therefore, this indirect analysis compa-red subgroups with elevated baseline LDH across the pivotal targeted therapy trials co-BRIM, COMBI-v and COLUMBUS part 1. The Bucher method was used to compare progression-free survival, objective response rate and overall survival indirectly. The results show a non-significant risk reduction for progression in the subgroup with elevated baseline LDH receiving vemu-rafenib plus cobimetinib compared with dabrafenib plus trametinib and encorafenib plus binimetinib. Al-though an indirect comparison, these data might pro-vide some guidance for treatment recommendations in melanoma patients with elevated LDH.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{RotheBrandenburgHaunetal.2017,
  author    = {Rothe, Hansj{\"o}rg and Brandenburg, Vincent and Haun, Margot and Kollerits, Barbara and Kronenberg, Florian and Ketteler, Markus and Wanner, Christoph},
  title     = {Ecto-5 ' -Nucleotidase CD73 (NT5E), vitamin D receptor and FGF23 gene polymorphisms may play a role in the development of calcific uremic arteriolopathy in dialysis patients - Data from the German Calciphylaxis Registry},
  series = {PLoS One},
  volume    = {12},
  journal   = {PLoS One},
  number    = {2},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0172407},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-171817},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {Introduction: Calciphylaxis/calcific uremic arteriolopathy affects mainly end-stage kidney disease patients but is also associated with malignant disorders such as myeloma, melanoma and breast cancer. Genetic risk factors of calciphylaxis have never been studied before. Methods: We investigated 10 target genes using a tagging SNP approach: the genes encoding CD73/ ecto-5'-nucleotidase (purinergic pathway), Matrix Gla protein, Fetuin A, Bone Gla protein, VKORC1 (all related to intrinsic calcification inhibition), calcium-sensing receptor, FGF23, Klotho, vitamin D receptor, stanniocalcin 1 (all related to CKD-MBD). 144 dialysis patients from the German calciphylaxis registry were compared with 370 dialysis patients without history of CUA. Genotyping was performed using iPLEX Gold MassARRAY(Sequenom, San Diego, USA), KASP genotyping chemistry (LGC, Teddington, Middlesex, UK) or sequencing. Statistical analysis comprised logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age and sex. Results: 165 SNPs were finally analyzed and 6 SNPs were associated with higher probability for calciphylaxis (OR>1) in our cohort. Nine SNPs of three genes (CD73, FGF23 and Vitamin D receptor) reached nominal significance (p< 0.05), but did not reach statistical significance after correction for multiple testing. Of the CD73 gene, rs4431401 (OR = 1.71, 95\%CI 1.08-2.17, p = 0.023) and rs9444348 (OR = 1.48, 95\% CI 1.11-1.97, p = 0.008) were associated with a higher probability for CUA. Of the FGF23 and VDR genes, rs7310492, rs11063118, rs13312747 and rs17882106 were associated with a higher probability for CUA. Conclusion: Polymorphisms in the genes encoding CD73, vitamin D receptor and FGF23 may play a role in calciphylaxis development. Although our study is the largest genetic study on calciphylaxis, it is limited by the low sample sizes. It therefore requires replication in other cohorts if available.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{AnelliOrdasKneitzetal.2018,
  author    = {Anelli, Viviana and Ordas, Anita and Kneitz, Susanne and Sagredo, Leonel Munoz and Gourain, Victor and Schartl, Manfred and Meijer, Annemarie H. and Mione, Marina},
  title     = {Ras-Induced miR-146a and 193a Target Jmjd6 to Regulate Melanoma Progression},
  series = {Frontiers in Genetics},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {Frontiers in Genetics},
  number    = {675},
  issn      = {1664-8021},
  doi       = {10.3389/fgene.2018.00675},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-196963},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Ras genes are among the most commonly mutated genes in human cancer; yet our understanding of their oncogenic activity at the molecular mechanistic level is incomplete. To identify downstream events that mediate ras-induced cellular transformation in vivo, we analyzed global microRNA expression in three different models of Ras-induction and tumor formation in zebrafish. Six microRNAs were found increased in Ras-induced melanoma, glioma and in an inducible model of ubiquitous Ras expression. The upregulation of the microRNAs depended on the activation of the ERK and AKT pathways and to a lesser extent, on mTOR signaling. Two Ras-induced microRNAs (miR-146a and 193a) target Jmjd6, inducing downregulation of its mRNA and protein levels at the onset of Ras expression during melanoma development. However, at later stages of melanoma progression, jmjd6 levels were found elevated. The dynamic of Jmjd6 levels during progression of melanoma in the zebrafish model suggests that upregulation of the microRNAs targeting Jmjd6 may be part of an anti-cancer response. Indeed, triple transgenic fish engineered to express a microRNA-resistant Jmjd6 from the onset of melanoma have increased tumor burden, higher infiltration of leukocytes and shorter melanoma-free survival. Increased JMJD6 expression is found in several human cancers, including melanoma, suggesting that the up-regulation of Jmjd6 is a critical event in tumor progression. The following link has been created to allow review of record GSE37015: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?token=jjcrbiuicyyqgpc\&acc=GSE37015.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HammHoeger2011,
  author    = {Hamm, Henning and H{\"o}ger, Peter H},
  title     = {Skin Tumors in Childhood},
  series = {Deutsches {\"A}rzteblatt International},
  volume    = {108},
  journal   = {Deutsches {\"A}rzteblatt International},
  number    = {20},
  doi       = {10.3238/arztebl.2011.0347},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-142402},
  pages     = {347-353},
  year      = {2011},
  abstract  = {Background: Dermatologists, paediatricians, and general practitioners are often consulted by worried parents for the evaluation of a cutaneous tumor. Methods: Selective literature review. Results: Only 1-2\% of skin tumors excised in children turn out to be malignant when examined histologically. Warning signs of malignancy include rapid growth, firm consistency, diameter exceeding 3 cm, ulceration, a non-movable mass, and presence in the neonatal period. The more common malignant skin tumors in adults-basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma-are very rare in childhood. Congenital melanocytic nevi and sebaceous nevi bear a lower malignant potential than previously believed; nevertheless, their excision is often indicated. A Spitz nevus can mimic a melanoma both clinically and histologically. Some benign skin tumors of childhood tend to regress spontaneously within a few years but may cause complications at particular locations and when multiple. For infantile hemangiomas requiring systemic treatment because of imminent obstruction or ulceration, propranolol seems to have a far more favorable risk-benefit ratio than corticosteroids. Conclusion: Physicians need specialized knowledge in order to decide whether a skin tumor in a child should be excised, non-surgically treated, or further evaluated, or whether it can be safely left untreated because of the likelihood of spontaneous remission.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GrimmHufnagelWobseretal.2018,
  author    = {Grimm, Johannes and Hufnagel, Anita and Wobser, Marion and Borst, Andreas and Haferkamp, Sebastian and Houben, Roland and Meierjohann, Svenja},
  title     = {BRAF inhibition causes resilience of melanoma cell lines by inducing the secretion of FGF1},
  series = {Oncogenesis},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {Oncogenesis},
  number    = {71},
  doi       = {10.1038/s41389-018-0082-2},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-177261},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Approximately half of all melanoma patients harbour activating mutations in the serine/threonine kinase BRAF. This is the basis for one of the main treatment strategies for this tumor type, the targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors. While the initial responsiveness to these drugs is high, resistance develops after several months, frequently at sites of the previously responding tumor. This indicates that tumor response is incomplete and that a certain tumor fraction survives even in drug-sensitive patients, e.g., in a therapy-induced senescence-like state. Here, we show in several melanoma cell lines that BRAF inhibition induces a secretome with stimulating effect on fibroblasts and naive melanoma cells. Several senescence-associated factors were found to be transcribed and secreted in response to BRAF or MEK inhibition, among them members of the fibroblast growth factor family. We identified the growth factor FGF1 as mediator of resilience towards BRAF inhibition, which limits the pro-apoptotic effects of the drug and activates fibroblasts to secrete HGF. FGF1 regulation was mediated by the PI3K pathway and by FRA1, a direct target gene of the MAPK pathway. When FGFR inhibitors were applied in parallel to BRAF inhibitors, resilience was broken, thus providing a rationale for combined therapeutical application.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{KneitzMishraChalopinetal.2016,
  author    = {Kneitz, Susanne and Mishra, Rasmi R. and Chalopin, Domitille and Postlethwait, John and Warren, Wesley C. and Walther, Ronald B. and Schartl, Manfred},
  title     = {Germ cell and tumor associated piRNAs in the medaka and \(Xiphophorus\) melanoma models},
  series = {BMC Genomics},
  volume    = {17},
  journal   = {BMC Genomics},
  number    = {357},
  doi       = {10.1186/s12864-016-2697-z},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-146028},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Background A growing number of studies report an abnormal expression of Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and the piRNA processing enzyme Piwi in many cancers. Whether this finding is an epiphenomenon of the chaotic molecular biology of the fast dividing, neoplastically transformed cells or is functionally relevant to tumorigenesisis is difficult to discern at present. To better understand the role of piRNAs in cancer development small laboratory fish models can make a valuable contribution. However, little is known about piRNAs in somatic and neoplastic tissues of fish. Results To identify piRNA clusters that might be involved in melanoma pathogenesis, we use several transgenic lines of medaka, and platyfish/swordtail hybrids, which develop various types of melanoma. In these tumors Piwi, is expressed at different levels, depending on tumor type. To quantify piRNA levels, whole piRNA populations of testes and melanomas of different histotypes were sequenced. Because no reference piRNA cluster set for medaka or Xiphophorus was yet available we developed a software pipeline to detect piRNA clusters in our samples and clusters were selected that were enriched in one or more samples. We found several loci to be overexpressed or down-regulated in different melanoma subtypes as compared to hyperpigmented skin. Furthermore, cluster analysis revealed a clear distinction between testes, low-grade and high-grade malignant melanoma in medaka. Conclusions Our data imply that dysregulation of piRNA expression may be associated with development of melanoma. Our results also reinforce the importance of fish as a suitable model system to study the role of piRNAs in tumorigenesis.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HafnerHoubenBaeurleetal.2012,
  author    = {Hafner, Christian and Houben, Roland and Baeurle, Anne and Ritter, Cathrin and Schrama, David and Landthaler, Michael and Becker, J{\"u}rgen C.},
  title     = {Activation of the PI3K/AKT Pathway in Merkel Cell Carcinoma},
  series = {PLoS One},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {PLoS One},
  number    = {2},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0031255},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-131398},
  pages     = {e31255},
  year      = {2012},
  abstract  = {Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive skin cancer with an increasing incidence. The understanding of the molecular carcinogenesis of MCC is limited. Here, we scrutinized the PI3K/AKT pathway, one of the major pathways activated in human cancer, in MCC. Immunohistochemical analysis of 41 tumor tissues and 9 MCC cell lines revealed high levels of AKT phosphorylation at threonine 308 in 88\% of samples. Notably, the AKT phosphorylation was not correlated with the presence or absence of the Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCV). Accordingly, knock-down of the large and small T antigen by shRNA in MCV positive MCC cells did not affect phosphorylation of AKT. We also analyzed 46 MCC samples for activating PIK3CA and AKT1 mutations. Oncogenic PIK3CA mutations were found in 2/46 (4\%) MCCs whereas mutations in exon 4 of AKT1 were absent. MCC cell lines demonstrated a high sensitivity towards the PI3K inhibitor LY-294002. This finding together with our observation that the PI3K/AKT pathway is activated in the majority of human MCCs identifies PI3K/AKT as a potential new therapeutic target for MCC patients.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HarterBernatzScholzetal.2015,
  author    = {Harter, Patrick N. and Bernatz, Simon and Scholz, Alexander and Zeiner, Pia S. and Zinke, Jenny and Kiyose, Makoto and Blasel, Stella and Beschorner, Rudi and Senft, Christian and Bender, Benjamin and Ronellenfitsch, Michael W. and Wikman, Harriet and Glatzel, Markus and Meinhardt, Matthias and Juratli, Tareq A. and Steinbach, Joachim P. and Plate, Karl H. and Wischhusen, J{\"o}rg and Weide, Benjamin and Mittelbronn, Michel},
  title     = {Distribution and prognostic relevance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints in human brain metastases},
  series = {Oncotarget},
  volume    = {6},
  journal   = {Oncotarget},
  number    = {38},
  doi       = {10.18632/oncotarget.5696},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-137107},
  pages     = {40836 -- 40849},
  year      = {2015},
  abstract  = {The activation of immune cells by targeting checkpoint inhibitors showed promising results with increased patient survival in distinct primary cancers. Since only limited data exist for human brain metastases, we aimed at characterizing tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and expression of immune checkpoints in the respective tumors. Two brain metastases cohorts, a mixed entity cohort (n = 252) and a breast carcinoma validation cohort (n = 96) were analyzed for CD3+, CD8+, FOXP3+, PD-1+ lymphocytes and PD-L1+ tumor cells by immunohistochemistry. Analyses for association with clinico-epidemiological and neuroradiological parameters such as patient survival or tumor size were performed. TILs infiltrated brain metastases in three different patterns (stromal, peritumoral, diffuse). While carcinomas often show a strong stromal infiltration, TILs in melanomas often diffusely infiltrate the tumors. Highest levels of CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were seen in renal cell carcinomas (RCC) and strongest PD-1 levels on RCCs and melanomas. High amounts of TILs, high ratios of PD-1+/CD8+ cells and high levels of PD-L1 were negatively correlated with brain metastases size, indicating that in smaller brain metastases CD8+ immune response might get blocked. PD-L1 expression strongly correlated with TILs and FOXP3 expression. No significant association of patient survival with TILs was observed, while high levels of PD-L1 showed a strong trend towards better survival in melanoma brain metastases (Log-Rank p = 0.0537). In summary, melanomas and RCCs seem to be the most immunogenic entities. Differences in immunotherapeutic response between tumor entities regarding brain metastases might be attributable to this finding and need further investigation in larger patient cohorts.},
  language  = {en}
}