Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2025

07:41
A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
2.4K
Genetic and Epigenetic Changes in Melanoma Progression: A TCGA-based Study
Yasemin Cakir1, Banu Lebe1,2, M Hasan Toper1,3
1Department of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Health Sciences.
Applied Immunohistochemistry & Molecular Morphology : AIMM
|March 24, 2025
Summary
Melanoma progression involves distinct genetic and epigenetic changes. Thin melanomas show immune response genes, while thick melanomas involve epidermis development, offering insights into melanoma advancement.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Immunology
Background:
- Melanoma progression is complex, influenced by genetic and epigenetic alterations.
- Understanding these molecular changes is crucial for diagnosis and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate molecular mechanisms of melanoma progression.
- Compare genetic/epigenetic features between thin and thick melanomas using TCGA data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized TCGA melanoma dataset via cBioPortal.
- Analyzed mRNA expression and DNA methylation.
- Performed pathway enrichment (GO, KEGG) and protein-protein interaction network analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified 1001 differentially expressed genes between thin (≤1 mm) and thick (>1 mm) melanomas.
- Thin melanomas enriched in immune response pathways; thick melanomas in epidermis development.
- Identified ten key immunological hub genes (e.g., CD4, IFNG, PTPRC, CD8A).
Conclusions:
- Melanoma progression is characterized by shifts in gene expression related to immune response and epidermal development.
- Key immunological genes are implicated in melanoma advancement.
- Findings may guide future research on melanoma progression and therapeutic targets.
Related Concept Videos
Tumor Progression
6.2K
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
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...
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...
6.2K
Skin Cancer
3.0K
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
3.0K
Epigenetic Regulation
3.0K
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
3.0K
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
5.7K
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
5.7K
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
7.3K
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
7.3K
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
4.7K
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
4.7K

