The Role of Non-coding RNAs in Tumorigenesis, Diagnosis/Prognosis, and Therapeutic Strategies for Cutaneous Melanoma

Methods Mol Biol. 2025:2883:79-107. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4290-0_4.

Abstract

RNA is a substance with various biological functions. It serves as blueprint for proteins and shuttles information from the genes to the protein factories of the cells. However, these factories-the ribosomes-are also composed mainly of RNA, whose purpose is not storing information but enzymatic action. In addition, there is a cornucopia of RNA molecules within our cells that form a complex regulatory network, connected with all aspects of cellular development and maintenance. These non-coding RNAs can be used for diagnostics and therapeutic strategies in cancer. In this chapter we give an overview of recent developments in non-coding RNA-based diagnostics and therapies for cutaneous melanoma. It is not meant to be comprehensive; however, it describes examples based on some of the most recent publications in this field.

Keywords: Immune checkpoint resistance; Kinase inhibitor resistance; Long non-coding RNA; circular RNA; microRNA; RNA-based therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor* / genetics
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • Melanoma* / diagnosis
  • Melanoma* / genetics
  • Melanoma* / metabolism
  • Melanoma* / therapy
  • Prognosis
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms* / therapy

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • RNA, Untranslated