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DEK oncogene is overexpressed during melanoma progression
Erica Riveiro-Falkenbach1, Yolanda Ruano1, Rosa M García-Martín1
1Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto i+12, Medical School, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research
|November 29, 2016
Summary
The oncoprotein DEK (DEK) is minimally expressed in benign moles but highly expressed in malignant melanoma, especially metastatic cases. DEK overexpression correlates with aggressive features and poor prognosis, suggesting it as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- The oncoprotein DEK is implicated in DNA repair, replication, and transcriptional control.
- DEK is highly expressed in proliferating and malignant cells, including melanoma.
- Its precise role in melanoma progression is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of DEK in various melanocytic tumors.
- To evaluate the correlation between DEK expression and melanoma aggressiveness and patient prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive analysis of DEK expression using immunostaining on 303 melanocytic tumors.
- Correlation analysis of DEK expression with clinicopathological features and genomic amplification.
Main Results:
- Negligible DEK expression was observed in benign lesions.
- Malignant melanoma lesions, particularly metastatic ones, showed significant DEK positivity, partly due to genomic amplification.
- DEK overexpression was linked to aggressive histological features in primary tumors and poorer patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- DEK plays a significant role in melanoma progression.
- DEK expression levels can serve as a prognostic indicator for melanoma patients.
- DEK represents a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for melanoma.
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