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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Ortho- and Ectopic Zebrafish Xeno-Engraftment of Ocular Melanoma to Recapitulate Primary Tumor and Experimental Metastasis Development
Published on: September 4, 2021
Transcriptomic profiling of a canine malignant eyelid melanoma
Wallax Augusto Silva Ferreira1, Antonio Gomes Costa Neto de Sousa1, Thamirys Aline Silva Faro1
1Laboratory of Cytogenomics and Environmental Mutagenesis, Environment Section (SEAMB), Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC), Ananindeua, PA, Brazil.
Abstract:
Despite its aggressive behavior and translational potential, malignant eyelid melanoma in dogs remains under-researched in veterinary oncology. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular landscape of a malignant eyelid melanoma in a 4-year-old female dog of an undefined breed. Differential gene expression analysis revealed 1,437 significantly altered genes. Notably, the upregulated genes were enriched in immune-related pathways, such as chemokine signaling (CCL3, CCL4, CCL8, CCL23, CCL24, CXCL8, and CXCL10), whereas the downregulated genes were associated with cytoskeletal integrity processes and hormonal signaling. MicroRNA analysis highlighted miR-134-5p and miR-146a-5p as potential regulators of oncogenic pathways, underscoring their diagnostic and therapeutic importance. In addition, comparative analyses revealed conserved gene signatures in human basal cell carcinoma of the eyelids, emphasizing the importance of canine models in translational oncology. This comprehensive molecular characterization provides new insights into the pathogenesis of canine eyelid melanoma and identifies key biomarkers and pathways that may be relevant for future therapeutic interventions in veterinary and comparative oncology.
Insights
Canine eyelid melanoma research is limited. This study reveals key molecular pathways and microRNAs involved in dog eyelid tumors, offering insights for veterinary and comparative oncology.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Oncology
- Comparative Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Malignant eyelid melanoma in dogs is aggressive and under-researched.
- Understanding its molecular basis is crucial for translational applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the molecular landscape of canine eyelid melanoma.
- To identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Differential gene expression analysis.
- MicroRNA analysis.
- Comparative genomic analysis with human eyelid tumors.
Main Results:
- 1,437 significantly altered genes identified.
- Upregulated genes involved in immune response (chemokine signaling).
- Downregulated genes linked to cytoskeletal integrity and hormonal signaling.
- miR-134-5p and miR-146a-5p identified as potential oncogenic regulators.
Conclusions:
- Provides a comprehensive molecular profile of canine eyelid melanoma.
- Identifies key biomarkers and pathways for veterinary and comparative oncology.
- Highlights the utility of canine models for studying human eyelid cancers.
