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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
06:09
Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
Published on: June 7, 2019
Activating BRAF mutations in eruptive melanocytic naevi.
A Sekulic1, M B Colgan, M D P Davis
1Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA. Sekulic@mayo.edu
The British Journal of Dermatology
|August 19, 2010
Summary
Eruptive melanocytic naevi (EMN) often develop during immunosuppression. This study found BRAF V600E mutations in 85% of EMN, suggesting the BRAF-MAPK pathway is involved in their development, especially with 6-MP treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Eruptive melanocytic naevi (EMN) are rapidly developing melanocytic proliferations.
- Their development is often linked to systemic immunosuppression, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
- The presence of BRAF mutations, common in melanoma, in EMN was previously unknown.
Observation:
- This study investigated the role of BRAF mutations in EMN genesis.
- Genomic DNA from 20 EMN in a patient treated with 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) was analyzed.
- BRAF genotyping was performed using allele-specific PCR and direct sequencing.
Findings:
- The BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 85% of the examined EMN.
- This indicates a significant association between BRAF mutations and EMN development.
Implications:
- Mutational activation of the BRAF-MAPK pathway appears to be a factor in EMN development, particularly with 6-MP treatment.
- The findings suggest potential synergistic mutagenic effects of thioguanines and UVA radiation.
- These results underscore the importance of UVA protection for patients on thiopurine therapy, like 6-MP, due to the role of BRAF mutations in melanoma.
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