Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
The Role of Genetics in Malignant Melanoma: A Comprehensive Review
Shannon M Smith1, G Paul Wright2
1Department of General Surgery, Corewell Health West/Michigan State Univeristy College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
Abstract:
Malignant melanoma represents a lethal cutaneous malignancy. This review article highlights somatic mutations as well as high- and moderate-penetrance germline genetic mutations frequently found in melanoma. BRAF and CDKN2A remain the most frequently identified somatic and germline mutations respectively; however, numerous others have been implicated including KRAS, c-KIT, CDK4, BAP1, TERT, POT1, ACD/TERF2IP and ATM. Approximately half of patients with familial melanoma syndrome do not have clearly identified or documented mutations. Thus, screening recommendations vary and polygenic risk scoring systems aid in personalized risk stratification and screening approaches. Collectively, this review synthesizes genetic insights to support precision-based clinical decision making.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
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...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
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...
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
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...

