Canonical Signaling Pathways in Melanoma

Clin Plast Surg. 2021 Oct;48(4):551-560. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2021.05.002. Epub 2021 Jul 10.

Abstract

Melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer, originating from the uncontrolled proliferation of melanocytes. The transformation of normal melanocytes into malignant tumor cells has been a focus of research seeking to better understand melanoma's pathogenesis and develop new therapeutic targets. Over the past few decades, a conglomeration of studies has pinpointed several driver mutations and their associated signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the key signaling pathways and the driver mutations involved in melanoma tumorigenesis and also discuss the potential underlying mechanisms.

Keywords: Drug targets; Melanoma; Mutations; Signaling pathways; Tumorigenesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Melanocytes
  • Melanoma* / genetics
  • Signal Transduction
  • Skin Neoplasms* / genetics