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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model
Published on: May 20, 2019
Melanoma tumor cell heterogeneity: a molecular approach to study subpopulations expressing the embryonic morphogen
Elisabeth A Seftor1, Richard E B Seftor1, Don Weldon2
1Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Abstract:
As the frequency of melanoma increases, current treatment strategies are struggling to significantly impact patient survival. One of the critical issues in designing efficient therapies is understanding the composition of heterogeneous melanoma tumors in order to target cancer stem cells (CSCs) and drug-resistant subpopulations. In this review, we summarize recent findings pertinent to the reemergence of the embryonic Nodal signaling pathway in melanoma and its significance as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. In addition, we offer a novel molecular approach to studying the functional relevance of Nodal-expressing subpopulations and their CSC phenotype.
Insights
Melanoma treatments need improvement. This review explores the Nodal signaling pathway
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Stem Cell Research
Background:
- Melanoma incidence is rising, challenging current survival rates.
- Tumor heterogeneity, including cancer stem cells (CSCs) and drug-resistant cells, complicates treatment.
- Understanding these subpopulations is crucial for developing effective melanoma therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the Nodal signaling pathway in melanoma.
- To highlight Nodal as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target.
- To present a novel approach for studying Nodal-expressing CSCs in melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent findings on the Nodal pathway in melanoma.
- Analysis of Nodal's significance as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
- Description of a new molecular strategy for investigating Nodal-expressing subpopulations.
Main Results:
- The Nodal signaling pathway is reemerging in melanoma.
- Nodal expression correlates with melanoma prognosis.
- Nodal-expressing cells exhibit cancer stem cell characteristics.
Conclusions:
- The Nodal pathway is a significant factor in melanoma's complexity.
- Targeting Nodal may offer a new therapeutic strategy for melanoma.
- Further research into Nodal-expressing subpopulations is warranted for improved patient outcomes.
