No longer a molecular black box--new clues to apoptosis and drug resistance in melanoma.
Disseminated melanoma is a radiation- and chemotherapy-refractory neoplasm for which no standard therapy currently exists. So far, genetic and molecular studies have revealed few non-random chromosomal abnormalities and infrequent mutational spectra. Consequently, the precise molecular determinants responsible for melanoma progression are yet to be delineated. Recent studies, however, have identified defects at multiple levels of the apoptosis program in melanoma, which provided new clues to drug resistance of this highly aggressive neoplasm. The process of apoptosis provides a conceptual framework to link melanoma genetics with the outcome of melanoma therapy. Hence, the genes and proteins that control apoptosis provide exciting new targets for rationally designed anti-melanoma therapeutic strategies.
Satyamoorthy
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The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Bogenrieder
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Herlyn
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D017209:Apoptosis; D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D053477:Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D016158:Genes, p53 / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D051034:Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins; D008954:Models, Biological; D009154:Mutation; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D000077022:Survivin; D053221:TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics
C506592:APAF1 protein, human; D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D053477:Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1; C107489:BIRC5 protein, human; D051034:Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D000077022:Survivin; D053221:TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand; C505653:TNFSF10 protein, human; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D020169:Caspases