Biology subjects

Soto-Vargas, Z.

Publications and source records attributed to Soto-Vargas, Z..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Exosome-like biogenesis from the Golgi releases extracellular vesicles lacking conventional tetraspanins that mediate immune evasion in cancer

Immunotherapy has improved survival across multiple malignancies but remains largely ineffective in solid cancers such as lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer. A key driver of resistance is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Although numerous mediators of TME immunosuppression have been identified, therapeutic targeting has provided limited clinical benefit. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently emerged as contributors to resistance, yet their mechanisms remain unclear. We developed human non-small cell lung cancer models to investigate EV-mediated immunosuppression. We identified a distinct Golgi-derived EV subpopulation that potently suppress T cell function and tumor infiltration. These EVs express the trans-Golgi network marker TGOLN2, and exhibit minimal levels of canonical EV markers. TGOLN2 overexpression drives this suppressive phenotype. Clinically, elevated TGOLN2 associates with poor survival and correlate with an immunosuppressive TME signature across more than 20 cancer types, including NSCLC. Collectively, this work defines a previously unrecognized mechanism of TGOLN2-driven, EV-mediated immunosuppression. Statement of SignificanceWe revealed TGOLN2 overexpression as a new immune evasion mechanism that mediates T cell suppression through increased secretion of a Golgi-derived extracellular vesicle (EV) subpopulation. These findings redefine current paradigms of EV biology and nominate TGOLN2 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in immunosuppressive cancers.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2025

FRA1 drives melanoma metastasis through an actionable transcriptional network

Transcriptional dysregulation has emerged as a critical driver of melanoma progression, yet the molecular mechanisms governing this process and their potential as therapeutic targets remain inadequately characterized. Here, we identify FRA1 as a potent and actionable driver of melanoma metastasis. FRA1 enhanced both the initial seeding and subsequent outgrowth of metastatic lesions. Comprehensive multi-omics integration revealed transcriptional target genes of FRA1, with AXL, CDK6, and FSCN1 exhibiting increased expression in melanoma metastasis and a significant correlation with poor patient outcomes. Silencing AXL, CDK6, or FSCN1 abrogated FRA1-mediated invasion in vitro and reduced metastatic colonization. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of CDK6 and FSCN1, and to a lesser extent AXL, suppressed melanoma metastasis and prolonged overall survival. The expression of FRA1 and its target genes correlates with shortened survival across multiple cancer types, highlighting the broader clinical relevance of this pathway. This study unveils an actionable FRA1-mediated transcriptional network that drives cancer progression and metastasis, offering potential avenues for therapeutic interventions. SIGNIFICANCEFRA1 promotes melanoma metastasis by enhancing the expression of AXL, CDK6, and FSCN1 and this transcriptional network is associated with poor survival across several cancer types. Targeting these FRA1 effectors suppresses metastasis and extends survival, offering a therapeutic strategy for metastatic melanoma and potentially other aggressive cancers.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2024

The small MAF transcription factor MAFG co-opts MITF to promote melanoma progression

Transcription factor deregulation potently drives melanoma progression by dynamically and reversibly controlling gene expression programs. We previously identified the small MAF family transcription factor MAFG as a putative driver of melanoma progression, prompting an in-depth evaluation of its role in melanoma. MAFG expression increases with human melanoma stages and ectopic MAFG expression enhances the malignant behavior of human melanoma cells in vitro, xenograft models, and genetic mouse models of spontaneous melanoma. Moreover, MAFG induces a melanoma phenotype switch from a melanocytic state to a more dedifferentiated state. Mechanistically, MAFG interacts with the lineage transcription factor MITF which is required for the pro-tumorigenic effects of MAFG. MAFG and MITF co-occupy numerous genomic sites and MAFG overexpression influences the expression of genes harboring binding sites for the MAFG[~]MITF complex. These results establish MAFG as a potent driver of melanomagenesis through dimerization with MITF and uncover an unappreciated mechanism of MITF regulation. Significance statementMITF is critically involved in melanoma progression and phenotype switching. We discovered that MAFG interacts with MITF to influence expression of MITF target genes and facilitate a shift toward a dedifferentiated melanoma cell state. This study demonstrates that MAFG promotes melanomagenesis by influencing MITF activity, an unappreciated mechanism of MITF regulation.

cancer biology↗