A switch in RND3-RHOA signaling is critical for melanoma cell invasion following mutant-BRAF inhibition
2011

RND3-RHOA Signaling and Melanoma Cell Invasion

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Klein R Matthew, Higgins Paul J

Primary Institution: Albany Medical College

Hypothesis

How does RND3-RHOA signaling affect melanoma cell invasion after BRAF inhibition?

Conclusion

The study shows that RND3 and RHOA signaling play critical roles in the movement of melanoma cells that survive BRAF inhibitor treatment.

Supporting Evidence

  • BRAF inhibitors reduced cell survival but some cells remained viable and invasive.
  • RND3 expression decreased with BRAF inhibition, while RHOA signaling increased.
  • Restoring RND3 or knocking down RHOA reduced the migration of resistant melanoma cells.

Takeaway

Some melanoma cells can still move and invade even after treatment with BRAF inhibitors, and this is linked to changes in certain proteins.

Methodology

The study used WM793 melanoma cells and assessed the effects of BRAF inhibitors on cell morphology, signaling pathways, and invasion in 2D and 3D models.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on a specific melanoma cell line and may not fully represent all melanoma types.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-4598-10-114

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication