Faculty Mentor

Dr. Elaine Vanterpool

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Description

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises when melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin, begin to proliferate uncontrollably. It can develop from a preexisting mole or previously unblemished skin. Melanoma is considered one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, known for its rapid proliferation and resistance to treatment. This malignancy poses a significant health risk to the elderly, who may be more susceptible due to cumulative sun exposure and age-related immune system decline. There are several subtypes of melanoma, including superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, and acral melanoma. Its development is strongly associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from natural sunlight or artificial sources such as tanning beds. Among the numerous genes associated with melanoma, TERT (Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase) is of particular interest in this study. TERT is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme responsible for synthesizing telomeric DNA. The TERT gene encodes the catalytic subunit of telomerase, an enzyme that maintains chromosome stability by adding repetitive DNA sequences to the ends of chromosomes, preventing their progressive shortening and potential instability. TERT is composed of three key domains: ps-ssRNAv-RdRp, Telomerase-RBD, and PksD, and it plays a role in various organs, including the heart, intestine, kidney, stomach, and lungs. TERT promoter mutations are among the most frequently observed point mutations in human cancers, including melanoma, glioblastoma, and bladder cancer. These mutations often lead to telomerase reactivation, enabling cancer cells to bypass senescence and continue proliferating indefinitely. By promoting chromosomal stability, TERT plays a pivotal role in tumor development and progression. Given its critical function in cellular immortality, investigating TERT mutations in melanoma could provide valuable insights into tumor biology and potential therapeutic targets.

Publication Date

4-1-2025

City

Huntsville

Disciplines

Biology

Comments

Laila Prentice, Student Researcher

Analysis of TERT Gene associated with Melanoma

Included in

Biology Commons

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