title: Role of Genetics and Epigenetics in Mucosal, Uveal, and Cutaneous Melanomagenesis.
abstract: Melanoma prevalently occurs on parts of the body that have been overexposed to the sun. However, it can also originate in the nervous system, eye and mucous membranes. Melanoma has been thought for a long time to arise through a series of genetic mechanisms involving numerous irreversible changes within the human genome. However, recently, "epimutations" have attracted considerable attention owing to their high prevalence rate and reversible nature. These observations opened up new perspectives in the use of epidrugs with the potential for restoring the "correct" control of neoplastic genomes. Here, we focused on the common consensus on genetics and epigenetics in melanoma. We also discussed the clinical applications of regulators of epigenetic enzymes able to revert the epigenetic and metabolic hallmarks of melanoma cells. Such anti-neoplastic agents affect the expression profile of antioncogenes, proto-oncogenes, and microRNAs resulting in enhanced differentiation, apoptosis, and growth inhibition.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Venza
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Visalli
authors.forename: Concetta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Beninati
authors.forename: Carmelo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Biondo
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Azienda Policlinico Universitario G. Martino, Torre Biologica, 4° piano, via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125, Messina, Italy. dteti@unime.it.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Teti
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Venza
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D014604:Uveal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D000098943:Uveal Melanoma
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents