The Evolution of Melanoma - Moving beyond Binary Models of Genetic Progression

J Invest Dermatol. 2020 Feb;140(2):291-297. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.08.002. Epub 2019 Oct 14.

Abstract

To date, over 1000 melanocytic neoplasms, spanning all stages of tumorigenesis, have been sequenced, offering detailed views into their -omic landscapes. This has coincided with advances in genetic engineering technologies that allow molecular biologists to edit the human genome with extreme precision and new mouse models to simulate disease progression. In this review, we describe how these technologies are being harnessed to provide insights into the evolution of melanoma at an unprecedented resolution, revealing that prior models of melanoma evolution, in which pathways are turned 'on' or 'off' in a binary fashion during the run-up to melanoma, are oversimplified.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics*
  • Carcinogenesis / pathology
  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Progression
  • Gene Dosage
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / genetics*
  • Melanocytes / pathology*
  • Melanoma / genetics*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Mutation
  • Retinoblastoma Protein / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Retinoblastoma Protein