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Published on: March 8, 2022
There is a world beyond protein mutations: the role of non-coding RNAs in melanomagenesis
Rolf K Swoboda1, Meenhard Herlyn
1The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Abstract:
Until recently, the general perception has been that mutations in protein-coding genes are responsible for tumorigenesis. With the discovery of (V600E)BRAF in about 50% of cutaneous melanomas, there was an increased effort to find additional mutations. However, mutations characterized in melanoma to date cannot account for the development of all melanomas. With the discovery of microRNAs as important players in melanomagenesis, protein mutations are no longer considered the sole drivers of tumors. Recent research findings have expanded the view for tumor initiation and progression to additional non-coding RNAs. The data suggest that tumorigenesis is likely an interplay between mutated proteins and deregulation of non-coding RNAs in the cell with an additional role of the tumor environment. With the exception of microRNAs, our knowledge of the role of non-coding RNAs in melanoma is in its infancy. Using few examples, we will summarize some of the roles of non-coding RNAs in tumorigenesis. Thus, there is a whole world beyond protein-coding sequences and microRNAs, which can cause melanoma.
Insights
Melanoma tumorigenesis involves more than just protein mutations. Deregulation of non-coding RNAs, beyond microRNAs, also plays a crucial role in tumor development and progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Historically, protein-coding gene mutations were considered the primary drivers of tumorigenesis.
- The discovery of BRAF mutations in melanoma highlighted the importance of genetic alterations.
- However, current mutations do not explain all melanoma development, prompting investigation into other factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of non-coding RNAs in melanoma development.
- To expand the understanding of tumorigenesis beyond protein-coding genes and microRNAs.
- To summarize the current knowledge on non-coding RNAs in melanoma initiation and progression.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent research findings on non-coding RNAs in cancer.
- Analysis of the interplay between mutated proteins, non-coding RNAs, and the tumor environment.
- Summarization of specific examples illustrating the roles of non-coding RNAs.
Main Results:
- Non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs, are increasingly recognized as key players in melanomagenesis.
- Tumorigenesis likely results from an interplay between mutated proteins and dysregulated non-coding RNAs.
- The tumor microenvironment also contributes to melanoma development.
- Knowledge regarding non-coding RNAs, excluding microRNAs, in melanoma is still limited.
Conclusions:
- Melanoma development is a complex process involving both genetic mutations and epigenetic factors.
- Non-coding RNAs represent a significant, yet underexplored, area in melanoma research.
- Future research should focus on the broader landscape of non-coding RNAs in tumorigenesis.
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