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Exploring the Surface: Sampling of Potential Skin Cancer Biomarkers Kynurenine and Tryptophan, Studied on 3D Melanocyte and Melanoma Models

  • 0Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden.
Biomolecules +

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July 27, 2024

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July 27, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Monitoring skin surface tryptophan (Trp) and kynurenine (Kyn) can detect metabolic changes in the melanoma tumor microenvironment (TME). This early detection method aids in understanding skin cancer progression and improving patient survival rates.

Area Of Science

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Dermatology

Background

  • Early cancer detection significantly improves patient survival rates.
  • Low-molecular-weight biomarkers can be non-invasively sampled from the skin surface for early detection.
  • The melanoma tumor microenvironment (TME) involves complex metabolic pathways and immune responses.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To detect tryptophan (Trp) and kynurenine (Kyn) on the skin surface of 3D melanoma models.
  • To investigate the relationship between Trp/Kyn levels and the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
  • To assess these changes in response to interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and ultraviolet B (UVB) stimulation.

Main Methods

  • Development of full-thickness human skin equivalents using a polystyrene scaffold with skin cells.
  • Stimulation of skin models with IFN-γ or UVB.
  • Quantification of Trp and Kyn using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array (HPLC-PDA) and Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS).
  • Measurement of IDO-1 and IL-6 gene expression via quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR).

Main Results

  • IFN-γ stimulation increased Trp catabolism to Kyn and upregulated IDO-1 expression in both melanoma and melanocyte models.
  • UVB exposure significantly altered Kyn levels exclusively in the melanoma model.
  • IDO-1 and IL-6 expression correlated with altered Trp and Kyn levels under specific stimuli.

Conclusions

  • Skin surface monitoring of Trp and Kyn shows potential for detecting metabolic alterations within the melanoma TME.
  • This non-invasive approach can provide insights into melanoma progression.
  • The findings support further in vivo investigations for clinical applications in skin cancer monitoring.

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