Genetics of melanoma progression: the rise and fall of cell senescence. (18th November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bennett, Dorothy C.
• Is Part Of: Pigment cell & melanoma research. Volume 29:Number 2(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 140
• Publication Date: 2015-11-18
• Subjects: melanoma -- nevus -- senescence -- p16 -- TERT -- immortalization -- metamortal; Melanoma -- Periodicals; Chromatophores -- Periodicals; Animal pigments -- Periodicals; 616.99477
• DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12422
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-1471

Abstract

Summary: There are many links between cell senescence and the genetics of melanoma, meaning both familial susceptibility and somatic–genetic changes in sporadic melanoma. For example, CDKN2A, the best‐known melanoma susceptibility gene, encodes two effectors of cell senescence, while other familial melanoma genes are related to telomeres and their maintenance. This article aimed to analyze our current knowledge of the genetic or epigenetic driver changes necessary to generate a cutaneous metastatic melanoma, the commonest order in which these occur, and the relation of these changes to the biology and pathology of melanoma progression. Emphasis is laid on the role of cell senescence and the escape from senescence leading to cellular immortality, the ability to divide indefinitely.