The Keratinocyte in the Picture Cutaneous Melanoma Microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Melanoma progression is a multistep process from nevus to metastasis, heavily influenced by the tumor microenvironment.
• The epidermal compartment, with melanocytes, keratinocytes, and basement membrane, is the initial site for melanoma spread.
• Melanoma metastasis relies on the tumor cells' ability to escape the physiological microenvironment and survive outside normal structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidermal and dermal microenvironment remodeling during melanoma progression.
• To discuss skin changes independent of melanocytic hyperproliferation that may promote tumor growth.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of experimental evidence on melanoma progression and microenvironment interactions.
• Analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in melanoma invasion and metastasis.
• Examination of tissue remodeling in the epidermis and dermis during melanoma development.

Main Results:

• Melanoma spread involves breakdown of the dermo-epidermal basement membrane and migration into the papillary dermis.
• The surrounding tissue undergoes structural and functional rearrangements reflecting tumor cell atypia.
• Fibroblasts and melanoma cells' intrinsic capabilities support proliferation and survival outside normal units.

Conclusions:

• Epidermal and dermal microenvironment remodeling are critical for melanoma progression and metastasis.
• Understanding these microenvironmental changes offers insights into melanoma aggressiveness and potential therapeutic targets.
• Skin alterations independent of melanocytes can contribute to a pro-tumoral environment.