Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 11, 2025

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
Published on: June 7, 2019
Biology of Melanoma
Stephen M Ostrowski1, David E Fisher1
1Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bartlett 6, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Abstract:
Melanoma skin cancer is derived from skin melanocytes and has a high risk of metastatic spread. The era of molecular genetics and next-generation sequencing has uncovered the role of oncogenic BRAFV600E mutations in many melanomas, validated the role of ultraviolet-induced DNA mutations in melanoma formation, and uncovered many of the molecular events that occur during melanoma development. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have dramatically improved outcomes and provided an increased rate of cure for metastatic melanoma. This article reviews the formation of melanoma, the molecular events involved in melanoma growth and metastasis, and the biology underlying resistance to melanoma therapies.
Insights
Melanoma, a skin cancer from melanocytes, often spreads. Advances in genetics and sequencing reveal key mutations like BRAFV600E and UV damage roles, improving metastatic melanoma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Melanoma arises from melanocytes and is prone to metastasis.
- Oncogenic BRAFV600E mutations and ultraviolet radiation are key factors in melanoma development.
- Next-generation sequencing aids in understanding melanoma's molecular landscape.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review melanoma formation and molecular events.
- To discuss the biology of melanoma growth and metastasis.
- To explore the mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on melanoma genetics and molecular biology.
- Analysis of next-generation sequencing data related to melanoma.
- Examination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy research.
Main Results:
- BRAFV600E mutations and UV-induced DNA damage are critical in melanoma.
- Molecular insights have driven advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
- Understanding melanoma biology is crucial for overcoming treatment resistance.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have transformed metastatic melanoma outcomes.
- Further research into melanoma's molecular underpinnings is essential for improving patient survival.
- Investigating resistance mechanisms is vital for developing more effective melanoma treatments.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Cancer
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
The Tumor Microenvironment

