Researchers characterize the tumor suppressor activity of the PTEN protein in melanoma
Source: Medical Xpress, January 2024
Cutaneous melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer because it’s aggressive and tends to spread quickly through the body. While scientists have made significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to melanoma development, it is still unclear how the PTEN protein regulates melanoma progression.
In a new study published in Cancer Research, Moffitt Cancer Center researchers reveal how the antitumor activity of PTEN suppresses the cancer-promoting activity of the FRA1 transcription factor through the AKT signaling pathway.
Mutations in PTEN commonly occur during melanoma progression, blocking its tumor-inhibitory activity and causing tumor cells to develop more aggressive characteristics. PTEN serves several functions, including inhibition of the AKT signaling pathway, which promotes tumor progression by stimulating processes such as proliferation, survival, and invasion.