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Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
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Human mitochondrial NAD(P)(+)-dependent malic enzyme participates in cutaneous melanoma progression and invasion

Yung-Lung Chang1, Hong-Wei Gao2, Chien-Ping Chiang3

  • 1Department of Life Sciences, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|September 10, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondrial malic enzyme 2 (ME2) is upregulated in melanoma, driving cancer progression and invasion. Inhibiting ME2 reduces melanoma cell growth and metastasis, suggesting ME2 as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cutaneous melanoma is a deadly skin cancer.
  • Targeting cancer metabolism is a promising therapeutic strategy.
  • The role of mitochondrial NAD(P)(+)-dependent malic enzyme 2 (ME2) in melanoma is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the biological significance of ME2 in cutaneous melanoma progression.
  • To determine if ME2 is a potential therapeutic target or biomarker for melanoma.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of ME2 mRNA and protein expression in melanoma tissues using Gene Expression Omnibus and immunohistochemistry.
  • In vitro studies involving ME2 knockdown in melanoma cells to assess proliferation, ATP levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and migration.
  • In vivo studies to evaluate the effect of ME2 knockdown on tumor growth.

Main Results:

  • ME2 expression significantly increases with melanoma progression.
  • ME2 knockdown reduces melanoma cell proliferation, ATP levels, and increases ROS production.
  • ME2 inhibition activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway.
  • ME2 expression correlates with increased cell migration, invasion, anchorage-independent growth, and tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • ME2 plays a critical role in melanoma progression and invasion.
  • ME2 is a potential therapeutic target for melanoma.
  • ME2 may serve as a novel biomarker for melanoma invasion.

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