Understanding melanoma signaling networks as the basis for molecular targeted therapy

J Invest Dermatol. 2010 Jan;130(1):28-37. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.177.

Abstract

Despite years of research, there has been little improvement in survival for patients with disseminated melanoma. Recent work has identified mutations in BRAF and NRAS, leading to constitutive mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway as well as constitutive activity in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway, as being critical events in melanoma growth and progression. In the current review, we discuss how these complex mutational and signaling profiles can be understood using a network biology approach, and suggest how an understanding of the key signaling nodes involved in progression and survival will lead to improvements in melanoma therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors