Melanoma: Molecular pathogenesis and emerging target therapies (Review)

Abstract

Abstract. Malignant melanoma is an aggressive tumor of the skin with a poor prognosis for patients with advanced disease. It is resistant to current therapeutic approaches. In melanoma, both the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK (MAPK) and the PI3K/AKT (AKT) signalling pathways are constitutively activated through multiple mechanisms. Mutations of BRAF have been proposed to contribute to melanoma development. Increased activity of the MAPK pathway prevents apoptosis and induces cell cycle progression. PTEN deletion results in Akt activation. Akt activation can result in the phosphorylation and inactivation of Raf. This decrease in downstream MEK and ERK activation may lead to loss of differentiation or senescence. This review summarizes the most relevant studies focused on the signalling pathways involved in melanomagenesis. New therapeutic strategies are also reported.

Membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and the regulators of its activity as invasive factors in squamous cell cervical carcinomas

“…Матриксным металлопротеиназам (ММП) отводится ключевая роль в развитии процессов инвазии и метастазирования [1,2]. ММП выполняют как деструктивную, так и важнейшие регуляторные функции, активируя, инактивируя и модифицируя целый ряд биологически-активных молекул [3,4].…”

Unexpected Distribution of <b><i>cKIT</i></b> and <b><i>BRAF</i></b> Mutations among Southern Italian Patients with Sinonasal Melanoma

“…Melanomas are malignant tumors arising on pigment-producing melanocytes mainly located in the epidermis of the skin but also in other anatomic districts, and comprise about 4.3% of all new cancers [1]. In Sardinia, the incidence of melanoma is roughly 4 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year [2].…”

Photoprotective effect of libanoridin isolated from Corydalis heterocarpa on UVB stressed human keratinocyte cells

“…Many previous studies have shown that among many types of MMPs, especially type IV collagenase MMP-2, -9 are UV inducible factors in the final degradation of collagen fibrillar after initial cleavage by collagenase (15)(16)(17)(18). Regulation of MMP expression is related with inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs).…”