Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Screening for Melanoma Modifiers using a Zebrafish Autochthonous Tumor Model
10:23

Screening for Melanoma Modifiers using a Zebrafish Autochthonous Tumor Model

Published on: November 13, 2012

14.2K

Deregulated MITF sumoylation: A route to melanoma

Robert Ballotti1, Corine Bertolotto1

  • 1INSERM, U1065 (Équipe 1), Equipe Labélisée ARC 2016, C3M, Nice, France; Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, C3M, Nice, France.

Molecular & Cellular Oncology
|September 5, 2017
PubMed

Insights

A microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) mutation predisposes carriers to melanoma by interfering with oncogene-induced senescence. This finding offers insights into early melanoma development for potential prevention and therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Metastatic melanoma is a fatal skin cancer, with metastasis being the primary cause of death.
  • While recent treatments have improved survival, early detection of melanocytic lesions is crucial for prevention.
  • A germline mutation in microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) was previously identified as a melanoma predisposition factor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the identified MITF germline mutation in the early stages of melanoma development.
  • To understand how this mutation impacts cellular processes critical for tumor initiation, specifically oncogene-induced senescence.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic analysis to identify MITF germline mutations.
  • Experimental models to assess the effect of the MITF mutation on oncogene-induced senescence in melanocytes.

Main Results:

  • The identified MITF germline mutation was shown to interfere with oncogene-induced senescence.
  • This interference facilitates early steps in melanoma development.

Conclusions:

  • The MITF mutation plays a role in overcoming a key barrier to melanoma formation.
  • Understanding this mechanism can inform strategies for early intervention and prevention in at-risk individuals.
Keywords:
MITFMelanomasenescence

More Related Videos

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis07:41

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis

Published on: March 8, 2022

2.9K
In Vivo Detection and Analysis of Rb Protein SUMOylation in Human Cells09:40

In Vivo Detection and Analysis of Rb Protein SUMOylation in Human Cells

Published on: November 2, 2017

7.8K

Related Concept Videos

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
4.9K
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.3K
Master Transcription Regulators02:23

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a  complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
7.9K
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators02:04

Covalently Linked Protein Regulators

Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein....
9.8K
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a...
5.8K
MAPK Signaling Cascades01:07

MAPK Signaling Cascades

Mitogen-activated protein kinase, or MAPK pathway, activates three sequential kinases to regulate cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. The canonical MAPK pathway starts with a mitogen or growth factor binding to an RTK. The activated RTKs stimulate Ras, which recruits Raf or MAP3 Kinase (MAPKKK), the first kinase of the MAPK signaling cascade. Raf further phosphorylates and activates MEK or MAP2 Kinases (MAPKK), which in turn phosphorylates MAP...
8.8K