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Updated: Jun 26, 2025

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Published on: September 7, 2013
Cyclic AMP-regulatory element-binding protein: a novel UV-targeted transcription factor in skin cancer
Julianne C Nayar1, Myriam Abboud2, Katie M Dixon3
1School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, 2050, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
Abstract:
Common therapeutics in relation to melanoma and non-melanoma cancers include the use of kinase inhibitors. The long-term benefits of kinases, however, are limited by development of drug resistance. An alternative approach for treatment would be to focus on transcription factors. Cyclic AMP-regulatory element-binding protein (CREB) is a transcription factor that is commonly overactivated or overexpressed in many different cancers including skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR), one of the main causes of skin cancer, can activate CREB in both melanocytes and keratinocytes. In addition, CREB has been found to be activated in skin cancers. Considering the prominent role that CREB plays in skin cancers, the studies reviewed herein raise the possibility of CREB as a potential prognostic and diagnostic marker of skin cancer and a novel target for therapeutic intervention.
Insights
Targeting the cyclic AMP-regulatory element-binding protein (CREB) offers a promising alternative to kinase inhibitors for treating skin cancers, potentially overcoming drug resistance and serving as a diagnostic marker.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Kinase inhibitors are common melanoma and non-melanoma cancer therapeutics.
- Drug resistance limits the long-term efficacy of kinase inhibitors.
- Transcription factors represent an alternative therapeutic strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of cyclic AMP-regulatory element-binding protein (CREB) in skin cancer.
- To evaluate CREB as a potential prognostic and diagnostic marker for skin cancer.
- To investigate CREB as a novel therapeutic target for skin cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on CREB activation and its role in skin carcinogenesis.
- Analysis of CREB's involvement in melanocytes and keratinocytes.
- Examination of CREB expression in skin cancer tissues.
Main Results:
- Cyclic AMP-regulatory element-binding protein (CREB) is overexpressed or overactivated in various cancers, including skin cancer.
- Ultraviolet radiation (UVR), a primary cause of skin cancer, activates CREB in skin cells.
- CREB activation is observed in established skin cancers.
Conclusions:
- CREB plays a significant role in the development and progression of skin cancer.
- CREB holds potential as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for skin cancer.
- Targeting CREB presents a novel therapeutic avenue for skin cancer treatment.
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