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Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH): biology, clinical relevance and implication in melanoma

Luigi Dall'Olmo1,2, Nicole Papa3, Nicoletta Concetta Surdo4,5

  • 1Department of Surgical Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, Padua University, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy. luigi.dallolmo@unipd.it.

Journal of Translational Medicine
|August 23, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and its receptor (MC1R) show complex roles in melanoma. While potentially protective, their signaling may also drive immune escape and resistance, suggesting MC1R as a therapeutic target in metastatic melanoma.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • The alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) axis is implicated in melanocyte biology.
  • Their role in melanoma development, prevention, and treatment remains controversial.
  • MC1R and α-MSH expression is altered in melanoma, particularly in metastatic stages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular biology of α-MSH.
  • To explore the tumor-related properties of α-MSH and MC1R in melanoma.
  • To analyze the interplay between the α-MSH/MC1R axis and melanoma antitumor strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms of α-MSH/MC1R signaling in melanoma.
  • Examination of evidence regarding targeted therapies and immune response.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests α-MSH can prevent melanoma development.
  • Conversely, α-MSH signaling may promote immune escape and therapy resistance.
  • Overexpression of MC1R and α-MSH is observed in metastatic melanoma, potentially enhanced by targeted therapies like BRAF inhibition.

Conclusions:

  • The α-MSH/MC1R axis presents a dual role in melanoma.
  • Targeting MC1R may offer a therapeutic strategy for metastatic melanoma.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interactions and optimize therapeutic approaches.
Keywords:
Anticancer strategiesMC1RMelanomaMelanoma resistanceα-MSH

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