Towards a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in sunlight-induced melanoma

Mandy Williams, Allal Ouhtit*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

20 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Although much less prevalent than its nonmelanoma skin cancer counterparts, cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is the most lethal human skin cancer. Epidemiological and biological studies have established a strong link between lifetime exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, particularly sunburn in childhood, and the development of melanoma. However, the specific molecular targets of this environmental carcinogen are not known. Data obtained from genetic and molecular studies over the last few years have identified the INK4a/ARF locus as the "gatekeeper" melanoma suppressor, encoding two tumour suppressor proteins in human, p16INK4a and p14ARF. Recent developments in molecular biotechnology and research using laboratory animals have made a significant gene breakthrough identifying the components of the p16INK4a/Rb pathway as the principal and rate-limiting targets of UV radiation actions in melanoma formation. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in melanoma development and its relationship to sunlight UV radiation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)57-61
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology
Volume2005
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 18 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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