Melanoma: Stem Cells, Sun Exposure and Hallmarks for Carcinogenesis, Molecular Concepts and Future Clinical Implications

Overview

Journal J Carcinog

Publisher Biomed Central

Date 2010 May 6

PMID 20442802

Citations 20

Authors

Athanassios Kyrgidis

Thrasivoulos-George Tzellos

Stefanos Triaridis

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The classification and prognostic assessment of melanoma is currently based on morphologic and histopathologic biomarkers. Availability of an increasing number of molecular biomarkers provides the potential for redefining diagnostic and prognostic categories and utilizing pharmacogenomics for the treatment of patients. The aim of the present review is to provide a basis that will allow the construction-or reconstruction-of future melanoma research.

Methods: We critically review the common medical databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane CENTRAL) for studies reporting on molecular biomarkers for melanoma. Results are discussed along the hallmarks proposed for malignant transformation by Hanahan and Weinberg. We further discuss the genetic basis of melanoma with regard to the possible stem cell origin of melanoma cells and the role of sunlight in melanoma carcinogenesis.

Results: Melanocyte precursors undergo several genome changes -UV-induced or not- which could be either mutations or epigenetic. These changes provide stem cells with abilities to self-invoke growth signals, to suppress antigrowth signals, to avoid apoptosis, to replicate without limit, to invade, proliferate and sustain angiogenesis. Melanocyte stem cells are able to progressively collect these changes in their genome. These new potential functions, drive melanocyte precursors to the epidermis were they proliferate and might cause benign nevi. In the epidermis, they are still capable of acquiring new traits via changes to their genome. With time, such changes could add up to transform a melanocyte precursor to a malignant melanoma stem cell.

Conclusions: Melanoma cannot be considered a "black box" for researchers anymore. Current trends in the diagnosis and prognosis of melanoma are to individualize treatment based on molecular biomarkers. Pharmacogenomics constitute a promising field with regard to melanoma patients' treatment. Finally, development of novel monoclonal antibodies is expected to complement melanoma patient care while a number of investigational vaccines could find their way into everyday oncology practice.

Citing Articles

Biological Effect of Food for Special Medical Purposes (Nutramil Complex) on Melanoma Cells in In Vitro Study.

Koronowicz A, Krawczyk K, Such A, Piasna-Slupecka E, Drozdowska M, Leszczynska T Nutrients. 2025; 16(24.

PMID: 39770908 PMC: 11679902. DOI: 10.3390/nu16244287.

CD133-Dependent Activation of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase /AKT/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling in Melanoma Progression and Drug Resistance.

Kharouf N, Flanagan T, Alamodi A, Al Hmada Y, Hassan S, Shalaby H Cells. 2024; 13(3.

PMID: 38334632 PMC: 10854812. DOI: 10.3390/cells13030240.

Checkpoint inhibitors: Better outcomes among advanced cutaneous head and neck melanoma patients.

Hirshoren N, Yoeli R, Cohen J, Weinberger J, Kaplan N, Merims S PLoS One. 2020; 15(4):e0231038.

PMID: 32282861 PMC: 7153888. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231038.

Physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Behrens G, Niedermaier T, Berneburg M, Schmid D, Leitzmann M PLoS One. 2018; 13(10):e0206087.

PMID: 30379884 PMC: 6209223. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206087.

Epigenetics in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Hema K, Smitha T, Sheethal H, Mirnalini S J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2017; 21(2):252-259.

PMID: 28932035 PMC: 5596676. DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_150_17.

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