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RNA-seq Characterization of Melanoma Phenotype Switch in 3D Collagen after p38 MAPK Inhibitor Treatment

Publication at Faculty of Science |
2021

Abstract

Melanoma phenotype plasticity underlies tumour dissemination and resistance to therapy, yet its regulation is incompletely understood. In vivo switching between a more differentiated, proliferative phenotype and a dedifferentiated, invasive phenotype is directed by the tumour microenvironment.

We found that treatment of partially dedifferentiated, invasive A375M2 cells with two structurally unrelated p38 MAPK inhibitors, SB2021920 and BIRB796, induces a phenotype switch in 3D collagen, as documented by increased expression of melanocyte differentiation markers and a loss of invasive phenotype markers. The phenotype is accompanied by morphological change corresponding to amoeboid-mesenchymal transition.

We performed RNA sequencing with an Illumina HiSeq platform to fully characterise transcriptome changes underlying the switch. Gene expression results obtained with RNA-seq were validated by comparing them with RT-qPCR.

Transcriptomic data generated in the study will extend the present understanding of phenotype plasticity in melanoma and its contribution to invasion and metastasis.