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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
06:09

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Published on: June 7, 2019

[Ultraviolet irradiation-mediated malignant melanoma induction with RET tyrosine kinase activation]

Masashi Kato1, Kozue Takeda, Yoshiyuki Kawamoto

  • 1Unit of Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University (Building No. 50, 11F), 1200 Matsumotocho, Kasugaishi, Aichi 487-8501, Japan. katomasa@isc.chubu.ac.jp

Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. Japanese Journal of Hygiene
|March 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

RET tyrosine kinase activation promotes melanoma development. Ultraviolet radiation enhances RET activity and downstream signaling, driving malignant melanoma formation from benign tumors in RET-transgenic mice.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Dermatology

Context:

  • RET-transgenic mouse models are crucial for studying melanoma pathogenesis.
  • Understanding the role of RET signaling in cancer development is essential.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the role of RET tyrosine kinase and its downstream effectors (Erk, c-Jun) in melanoma development.
  • To determine the effect of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on melanoma progression in RET-transgenic mice.

Summary:

  • Spontaneous melanoma development was observed in RET-transgenic mice (line 304/B6), with upregulated RET tyrosine kinase, Erk, and c-Jun activity.
  • In another RET-transgenic line (192), UV irradiation induced malignant melanoma from benign tumors, correlating with enhanced RET, Erk, and c-Jun activity.
  • These findings highlight the critical role of UV-enhanced RET signaling in malignant melanoma.

Impact:

  • Provides insights into the molecular mechanisms driving melanoma, particularly the interplay between RET signaling and UV exposure.
  • Suggests potential therapeutic targets for melanoma by modulating RET pathway activity.
  • Establishes a valuable preclinical model for evaluating melanoma prevention and treatment strategies.

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