title: Aberrant DNA methylation in melanoma: biomarker and therapeutic opportunities.
abstract: Aberrant DNA methylation is an epigenetic hallmark of melanoma, known to play important roles in melanoma formation and progression. Recent advances in genome-wide methylation methods have provided the means to identify differentially methylated genes, methylation signatures, and potential biomarkers. However, despite considerable effort and advances in cataloging methylation changes in melanoma, many questions remain unanswered. The aim of this review is to summarize recent developments, emerging trends, and important unresolved questions in the field of aberrant DNA methylation in melanoma. In addition to reviewing recent developments, we carefully synthesize the findings in an effort to provide a framework for understanding the current state and direction of the field. To facilitate clarity, we divided the review into DNA methylation changes in melanoma, biomarker opportunities, and therapeutic developments. We hope this review contributes to accelerating the utilization of the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential of DNA methylation for the benefit of melanoma patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA.|Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA.
authors.forename: Goran
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-0329-1053
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Micevic
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA.|Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Theodosakis
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA.|Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520 USA.
authors.forename: Marcus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bosenberg
mesh_terms: D001374:Azacitidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000187:drug effects; D000077209:Decitabine; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D035683:MicroRNAs; D000077209:Decitabine; D001374:Azacitidine
keywords: Azacitidine; Biomarker; DNA methylation; DNMT; DNMT1; DNMT3B; Epigenetics; Melanoma