Bacterial colonized melanoma skin models allow to study host-microbe interactions in situ

Melanoma represents the most lethal form of skin cancer, with the skin microbiome increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor. Previous studies demonstrated an altered microbiome composition at melanoma sites. However, the role of the microbiome remains elusive and technically challenging to investigate. Our proof-of-concept study aims to explore whether the contribution of skin bacteria to melanoma progression can be examined in situ.

We utilized a commercial 3D melanoma model cultivated in an air-liquid interface configuration and apically inoculated it with a diverse bacterial community derived from healthy human skin.

During the 12-day co-cultivation period, bacterial counts were comparable to those found on human skin in vivo, with no significant induction of cytotoxicity, although a significant decline in bacterial diversity was observed. Nonetheless, microbial colonization had a clear impact on melanoma biology. This was evidenced by pronounced alterations in gene expression associated with pathways involved in melanoma progression, as well as cadherin switching and increased secretion of cytokines, such as VEGF and GM-CSF, along with the melanoma marker MIA.

This study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility of using 3D melanoma models to investigate the impact of skin bacteria on melanoma biology, thereby paving the way for elucidating causal mechanisms in situ.