Research data for publication "Phenotype switching in highly invasive resistant to vemurafenib and cobimetinib melanoma cells"

This research aimed to determine and characterize the features related to phenotype switching occurring in melanoma cells due to the acquisition of resistance to clinically used BRAF/MEK inhibitors. We derived two melanoma cell lines resistant to vemurafenib (a BRAF inhibitor) and cobimetinib (an MEK inhibitor). Due to the significant impact of invasion on cancer progression, we focused our further research on this process. Our analysis showed a greater capacity for migration and invasion of resistant melanoma cells compared to controls, as well as an increase in the level of RUNX2 (runt-related transcription factor 2). Moreover, examined cells exhibited higher adhesion to the surface and were more spread. These cells also formed more focal adhesions. Furthermore, we noticed an increased level of α-parvin and vinculin in resistant cells, as well as an elevated activation of FAK (focal adhesion kinase). Resistance was additionally accompanied by rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Examined cells formed more stress fibers compared to control cells. YAP/TAZ localization became much more nuclear in the resistant ones. The amount of invadopodia was increased, which was reflected by elevated secretion and activation of proteases, as well as altered expression of their inhibitors. Data submitted to the repository are initial, unprocessed experiment results. Individual folders (named after the type of research they concern) contain the output data for all technical repetitions of the experiments performed, and a .docx file with a description of the samples and the research method used. Data concerning the adhesion assay are numerical values of the obtained XTT test results. Data concerning the Western blotting method are photos of membranes with bands present on them corresponding to specific proteins. Data concerning the protease array are photos of membranes with dots present on them corresponding to specific proteases. Data obtained as a result of qPCR analysis are presented in the form of Excel files containing Ct (threshold cycle) values for selected genes expressed by cells at the mRNA level. Data concerning qualitative and quantitative analysis of microscopic images are photos of cells (tiff) and Excel files with quantitative data. Data concerning the 2D and 3D wound healing assay are photos of cells (tiff) and Excel files with quantitative data. Data concerning the gelatin zymography method are photos of gels with bands present on them corresponding to specific proteases. Data concerning the matrix metalloproteinase 14 activity assay are numerical values of obtained results in an Excel file.