The molecular profile of mucosal melanoma

Melanoma Res. 2020 Dec;30(6):533-542. doi: 10.1097/CMR.0000000000000686.

Abstract

Herein, we wanted to explore the molecular landscape of mucosal melanoma from different sites and identify potential molecular targets for future therapy. Mucosal melanomas (N = 40) from different sites (conjunctiva, sinonasal cavity, rectum, and vagina) were investigated. Targeted next-generation sequencing along with Nanostring gene expression profiling was performed. Genetically, conjunctival melanoma was characterized by BRAF-V600E (30%) and NF1 mutations (17%). Mucosal melanomas at nonsun-exposed sites harbored alterations in NRAS, KIT, NF1, along with atypical BRAF mutations. When comparing the gene expression profile of conjunctival melanoma and nonsun-exposed mucosal melanoma, 41 genes were found to be significantly deregulated. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) presented a significant sixfold upregulation in conjunctival melanoma compared to the other mucosal melanomas. While melanomas of the sinonasal cavity, vagina, and rectum are molecularly similar, conjunctival melanoma is characterized by a higher frequency of BRAF-V600E mutations and differential expression of several genes involved in the immune response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics*