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Updated: May 26, 2026
06:09
Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
Published on: June 7, 2019
Elevated expression of Rad18 regulates melanoma cell proliferation
Ronald P C Wong1, Almass-houd Aguissa-Touré, Aijaz A Wani
1Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, Jack Bell Research Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research
|December 8, 2011
Summary
The E3 ligase Rad18 is upregulated in melanoma, particularly in sun-protected areas. Increased Rad18 expression predicts poorer survival and impacts melanoma cell proliferation, suggesting a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Genomic stability is crucial, with E3 ligase Rad18 regulating lesion bypass pathways.
- The role of Rad18 in melanoma development and prognosis remains uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Rad18 expression levels in melanoma.
- To determine the prognostic significance of Rad18 in melanoma.
- To explore Rad18's role in melanoma cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Rad18 expression in melanoma tissue microarrays (TMA).
- Correlation of Rad18 expression with clinical outcomes and tumor site.
- Assessment of Rad18 knockdown effects on melanoma cell proliferation and molecular markers (pAkt, cyclin D1).
Main Results:
- Nuclear Rad18 expression is upregulated in primary and metastatic melanoma compared to dysplastic nevi.
- Rad18 expression is lower in sun-exposed compared to sun-protected melanoma sites.
- Strong Rad18 expression correlates with worse 5-year survival and is an independent prognostic factor for sun-protected melanomas.
- Rad18 knockdown reduces melanoma cell proliferation, pAkt, and cyclin D1 expression.
Conclusions:
- Rad18 is significantly increased in melanoma, especially in sun-protected sites.
- Rad18 expression serves as a prognostic marker for melanoma patient outcomes.
- Rad18 influences melanoma cell proliferation, presenting a potential therapeutic target for melanoma treatment.
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