RASSF6 exhibits promoter hypermethylation in metastatic melanoma and inhibits invasion in melanoma cells

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Jessica J. Mezzanotte - , University of Louisville (Author)
  • Victoria Hill - , University of Birmingham (Author)
  • M. Lee Schmidt - , University of Louisville (Author)
  • Thoraia Shinawi - , University of Birmingham (Author)
  • Stella Tommasi - , University of Antwerp (Author)
  • Dietmar Krex - , Department of Neurosurgery, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Gabriele Schackert - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Gerd P. Pfeifer - , University of Antwerp (Author)
  • Farida Latif - , University of Birmingham (Author)
  • Geoffrey J. Clark - , University of Louisville (Author)

Abstract

Brain metastasis is a major contributor to cancer mortality, yet, the genetic changes underlying the development of this capacity remain poorly understood. RASSF proteins are a family of tumor suppressors that often suffer epigenetic inactivation during tumorigenesis. However, their epigenetic status in brain metastases has not been well characterized. We have examined the promoter methylation of the classical RASSF members (RASSF1A-RASSF6) in a panel of metastatic brain tumor samples. RASSF1A and RASSF2 have been shown to undergo promoter methylation at high frequency in primary lung and breast tumors and in brain metastases. Other members exhibited little or no methylation in these tumors. In examining melanoma metastases, however, we found that RASSF6 exhibits the highest frequency of inactivation in melanoma and in melanoma brain metastases. Most melanomas are driven by an activating mutation in B-Raf. Introduction of RASSF6 into a B-RafV600E -containing metastatic melanoma cell line inhibited its ability to invade through collagen and suppressed MAPK pathway activation and AKT. RASSF6 also appears to increase the association of mutant B-Raf and MST1, providing a potential mechanism by which RASSF6 is able to suppress MAPK activation. Thus, we have identified a novel potential role for RASSF6 in melanoma development. Promoter methylation leading to reduced expression of RASSF6 may play an important role in melanoma development and may contribute to brain metastases.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1496-1503
Number of pages8
JournalEpigenetics
Volume9
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - 18 Dec 2014
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 25482183

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Brain metastases, Invasion, MAPK, Melanoma, Ras, RASSF