Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Assessment of Global DNA Double-Strand End Resection using BrdU-DNA Labeling coupled with Cell Cycle Discrimination Imaging
Published on: April 28, 2021
Circumventing melanoma chemoresistance by targeting DNA repair
S Mocellin1, L Bertazza, C Benna
1Department Oncological and Surgical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy. simone.mocellin@unipd.it
Abstract:
Available evidence demonstrates that the DNA repair machinery is involved in melanoma resistance to chemotherapeutics. Furhtermore, preclinical findings suggest that interfering with DNA repair could increase chemosensitivity of melanoma cells. However, the clinical implementation of these principles is still in its infancy and no such strategy is currently proven to be effective in patients with advanced melanoma. Since the molecular mechanisms governing the relationship between chemoresistance and DNA repair are not fully elucidated, more basic and translational research is needed to understand the reasons for the failures and to identify novel targets. In this review we summarize the experimental and clinical findings that are fostering the research in this promising field of oncology.
Insights
DNA repair mechanisms contribute to melanoma chemoresistance. Targeting DNA repair may enhance chemotherapy effectiveness, but clinical applications require further research for advanced melanoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- DNA repair pathways are implicated in melanoma's resistance to chemotherapy.
- Preclinical studies suggest targeting DNA repair can improve melanoma cell chemosensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental and clinical findings on DNA repair and melanoma chemoresistance.
- To highlight the need for further research into molecular mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing experimental and clinical evidence.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on DNA repair in melanoma treatment.
Main Results:
- Evidence links DNA repair machinery to melanoma chemoresistance.
- Clinical translation of DNA repair interference strategies is limited and unproven in advanced melanoma.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay between chemoresistance and DNA repair is crucial.
- Further basic and translational research is necessary to overcome clinical limitations and identify new therapeutic targets in melanoma.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Nucleotide Excision Repair
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
Nucleotide Excision Repair
Overview of DNA Repair
Chemically...
Overview of DNA Repair
Chemically...

