title: Melanoma molecular subtypes: unifying and paradoxical results.
abstract: In this issue, Hacker and colleagues provide further evidence that molecular subtypes of malignant melanoma may develop along divergent pathways. The authors did not find an association between somatic BRAF-mutant melanoma and germline melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene status. We discuss this seeming paradox in light of previous studies demonstrating strong associations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. nthomas@med.unc.edu
authors.forename: Nancy E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Kanetsky
authors.forename: Colin B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Begg
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Conway
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berwick
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / Q000235:genetics; D044102:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1 / Q000235:genetics; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D044102:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1; C482119:BRAF protein, human; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf