Applications of genomics in melanoma oncogene discovery

Abstract

The identification of recurrent alterations in the melanoma genome has provided key insights into the biology of melanoma genesis and progression. These discoveries have come about as a result of the systematic deployment and integration of diverse genomic technologies, including DNA sequencing, chromosomal copy number analysis, and gene expression profiling. Here, the discoveries of several key melanoma oncogenes affecting critical cell pathways are described and the role played by evolving genomics technologies in melanoma oncogene discovery is examined. These advances are being exploited to improve prognosis and treatment of melanoma patients through the development of genome-based diagnostic and targeted therapeutic avenues.

Figure 1

Cell signaling pathways that undergo oncogenic dysregulation in melanoma. The receptor tyrosine kinase-driven MAP kinase and PI(3)K pathways are featured.. Genes mutated in melanoma are marked with an asterisk. These include KIT, NRAS, BRAF, MITF, PI(3)K, PTEN, AKT3, and NEDD9.