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Updated: May 23, 2026
A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
Semaphorin 3A suppresses tumor growth and metastasis in mice melanoma model
Goutam Chakraborty1, Santosh Kumar, Rosalin Mishra
1National Center for Cell Science (NCCS), NCCS Complex, Pune, India.
Background:
Recent understanding on cancer therapy indicated that targeting metastatic signature or angiogenic switch could be a promising and rational approach to combat cancer. Advancement in cancer research has demonstrated the potential role of various tumor suppressor proteins in inhibition of cancer progression. Current studies have shown that axonal sprouting inhibitor, semaphorin 3A (Sema 3A) acts as a potent suppressor of tumor angiogenesis in various cancer models. However, the function of Sema 3A in regulation of melanoma progression is not well studied, and yet to be the subject of intense investigation.
Methodology/Principal Findings:
In this study, using multiple in vitro and in vivo approaches we have demonstrated that Sema 3A acts as a potent tumor suppressor in vitro and in vivo mice (C57BL/6) models. Mouse melanoma (B16F10) cells overexpressed with Sema 3A resulted in significant inhibition of cell motility, invasiveness and proliferation as well as suppression of in vivo tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis in mice models. Moreover, we have observed that Sema 3A overexpressed melanoma clone showed increased sensitivity towards curcumin and Dacarbazine, anti-cancer agents.
Conclusions:
Our results demonstrate, at least in part, the functional approach underlying Sema 3A mediated inhibition of tumorigenesis and angiogenesis and a clear understanding of such a process may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer.
Insights
Semaphorin 3A (Sema 3A) effectively suppresses melanoma progression, inhibiting tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Overexpressing Sema 3A also enhances sensitivity to common anti-cancer drugs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Targeting cancer metastasis and angiogenesis is a key therapeutic strategy.
- Tumor suppressor proteins play a crucial role in inhibiting cancer progression.
- Semaphorin 3A (Sema 3A), an axonal sprouting inhibitor, shows potential in suppressing tumor angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Semaphorin 3A (Sema 3A) in melanoma progression.
- To evaluate Sema 3A's function as a tumor suppressor in melanoma models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches.
- Overexpressed Sema 3A in mouse melanoma (B16F10) cells.
- Assessed effects on cell motility, invasiveness, proliferation, tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in mice (C57BL/6).
- Evaluated sensitivity to curcumin and Dacarbazine.
Main Results:
- Sema 3A overexpression significantly inhibited melanoma cell motility, invasiveness, and proliferation in vitro.
- Sema 3A suppressed in vivo tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in mouse models.
- Melanoma cells overexpressing Sema 3A demonstrated increased sensitivity to curcumin and Dacarbazine.
Conclusions:
- Sema 3A acts as a potent tumor suppressor in melanoma.
- Demonstrated the mechanism of Sema 3A-mediated inhibition of tumorigenesis and angiogenesis.
- Findings may aid in developing novel cancer therapeutic strategies.
