Systemic pro-opiomelanocortin expression induces melanogenic differentiation and inhibits tumor angiogenesis in established mouse melanoma

Hum Gene Ther. 2011 Mar;22(3):325-35. doi: 10.1089/hum.2010.090. Epub 2011 Feb 7.

Abstract

Malignant melanoma is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide, underlining the need for effective novel therapies. In this study, the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of systemic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) therapy were evaluated in mice bearing established melanoma. Injection of adenovirus encoding POMC (Ad-POMC) led to hepatic POMC overexpression and elevated adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) levels in the circulation. Systemic POMC therapy significantly attenuated the growth of established melanoma and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Histological analysis revealed that systemic POMC therapy induced melanogenic differentiation while reducing melanoma growth. In addition, POMC therapy also elicited a significant reduction in the neovascular network of melanoma. Last, we demonstrated that POMC-derived peptides, including ACTH, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), and β-MSH, are involved in POMC-mediated melanogenic differentiation and angiogenesis inhibition. In summary, systemic POMC therapy suppresses melanoma growth via induction of melanogenic differentiation and angiogenesis blockade, thereby demonstrating its potential as a novel treatment modality for melanoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics
  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Progression
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Melanoma, Experimental / blood supply
  • Melanoma, Experimental / pathology
  • Melanoma, Experimental / therapy*
  • Melanoma, Experimental / ultrastructure
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic* / genetics
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic* / physiopathology
  • Pro-Opiomelanocortin / genetics*
  • Pro-Opiomelanocortin / metabolism*
  • Survival Analysis
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Pro-Opiomelanocortin