title: Could BRAF mutations in melanocytic lesions arise from DNA damage induced by ultraviolet radiation?
abstract: Although BRAF V600 mutations in melanocytic tumors are not UV-signature mutations, it is plausible that they could still arise from error-prone replication of UV-damaged DNA. We propose a mechanism for their origin, taking into consideration melanocytic-specific BRAF tandem mutations, nearby potential pyrimidine dimer sites, the properties of specialized DNA polymerases, and biological selection.
authors.affiliation: Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA. nthomas@med.unc.edu
authors.forename: Nancy E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berwick
authors.forename: Marila
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cordeiro-Stone
mesh_terms: D004249:DNA Damage; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: C482119:BRAF protein, human; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf