The Activation of PPARγ by (2Z,4E,6E)-2-methoxyocta-2,4,6-trienoic Acid Counteracts the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Process in Skin Carcinogenesis
Enrica Flori,
Sarah Mosca,
Giorgia Cardinali,
Stefania Briganti,
Monica Ottaviani,
Daniela Kovacs,
Isabella Manni,
Mauro Truglio,
Arianna Mastrofrancesco,
Marco Zaccarini,
Carlo Cota,
Giulia Piaggio,
Mauro Picardo
Affiliations
Enrica Flori
Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
Sarah Mosca
Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
Giorgia Cardinali
Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
Stefania Briganti
Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
Monica Ottaviani
Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
Daniela Kovacs
Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
Isabella Manni
SAFU Unit, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Roma, Italy
Mauro Truglio
Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
Arianna Mastrofrancesco
Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
Marco Zaccarini
Genetic Research, Molecular Biology and Dermatopathology Unit, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
Carlo Cota
Genetic Research, Molecular Biology and Dermatopathology Unit, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
Giulia Piaggio
SAFU Unit, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Roma, Italy
Mauro Picardo
Faculty of Medicine, Unicamillus International Medical University, 00131 Rome, Italy
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common UV-induced keratinocyte-derived cancer, and its progression is characterized by the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. We previously demonstrated that PPARγ activation by 2,4,6-octatrienoic acid (Octa) prevents cutaneous UV damage. We investigated the possible role of the PPARγ activators Octa and the new compound (2Z,4E,6E)-2-methoxyocta-2,4,6-trienoic acid (A02) in targeting keratinocyte-derived skin cancer. Like Octa, A02 exerted a protective effect against UVB-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in NHKs. In the squamous cell carcinoma A431 cells, A02 inhibited cell proliferation and increased differentiation markers’ expression. Moreover, Octa and even more A02 counteracted the TGF-β1-dependent increase in mesenchymal markers, intracellular ROS, the activation of EMT-related signal transduction pathways, and cells’ migratory capacity. Both compounds, especially A02, counterbalanced the TGF-β1-induced cell membrane lipid remodeling and the release of bioactive lipids involved in EMT. In vivo experiments on a murine model useful to study cell proliferation in adult animals showed the reduction of areas characterized by active cell proliferation in response to A02 topical treatment. In conclusion, targeting PPARγ may be useful for the prevention and treatment of keratinocyte-derived skin cancer.
