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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Identification and functional validation of therapeutic targets for malignant melanoma
Gabriela Gremel1, Mairin Rafferty, Thomas Y K Lau
1UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Abstract:
Despite remarkable effort, malignant melanoma still remains a potent killer. Millions of dollars have been spent on clinical trials that have not succeeded in achieving significant patient benefit. The thorough validation of drug targets at an earlier stage is, therefore, an essential step in the development of new therapies. Since the development of microarray experiments, putative drug targets are being identified in a high-throughput manner. Though high-throughput functional validation methods are currently being established, a more specific, pre-clinical analysis of promising target genes remains inevitable. For this, a broad range of increasingly sophisticated functional models is available. In vitro, the microenvironment of skin can be simulated through various two or three-dimensional models. In vivo assays range from xenograft studies to the establishment of transgenic organisms. Here, we provide a summary of functional interrogation approaches in melanoma research, focusing on the application of these strategies to the development of new effective therapies.
Insights
Early validation of drug targets is crucial for developing effective malignant melanoma therapies. This review summarizes preclinical functional models for melanoma research to improve drug development and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Malignant melanoma remains a significant health threat despite extensive research and clinical trials.
- Current drug development faces challenges due to insufficient early-stage validation of therapeutic targets.
- High-throughput methods identify potential targets, but rigorous preclinical analysis is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review functional interrogation approaches for melanoma research.
- To highlight the application of these strategies in developing novel melanoma therapies.
- To emphasize the importance of early-stage drug target validation.
Main Methods:
- Summary of in vitro models simulating skin microenvironments (2D and 3D).
- Overview of in vivo assays, including xenografts and transgenic models.
- Discussion of functional interrogation strategies for preclinical analysis.
Main Results:
- Various sophisticated functional models are available for melanoma research.
- These models facilitate the validation of putative drug targets.
- The review synthesizes approaches applicable to new therapy development.
Conclusions:
- Rigorous preclinical validation of drug targets is essential for melanoma therapy development.
- Functional interrogation models are key to advancing melanoma research.
- Improved target validation can lead to more effective melanoma treatments and better patient benefit.
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