Melanocytic Nevus or Melanoma, Gene Determines

Mole, as Benign tumor, exists in almost every adults skin. It has been long known that the
mutation of BRAF gene can cause the growth of mole. But why the moles stop growing is still
unknown. Recently, researchers at University of Pennsylvania have found that a gene called
CDKN2B (encodes p15 protein) is the key factor for a mole been stuck in a non-proliferation,
non-growing state. This gene leads to the possibility that theres only one step away from
Melanocytic Nevus to Melanoma.
Nevi and melanomas both originate in the skin melanocytes. Scientists have discovered a
decade ago, the mutation of BRAF gene may lead to overgrowth of melanocytes, just like
opening the valve of melanin growth, leading to the growth of nausea nevi and melanoma.
But different from melanoma, when the melanocytic nevi in the skin accumulation reaches a
certain size (typically a few millimeters in diameter), the cells stop growing. But heres the
question: why they are they the same BRAF mutation, mole inside melanoma cell proliferation
can be limited, but the Melanoma can not?
Todd W. Ridky MD is one of the researchers in this studies. He and his colleagues compared
the normal melanocytic nevi and melanoma cells from ordinary. As a result, they found that
the concentrations of a mole protein in Melanocytes is 140 times higher than those in the
Melanoma cells. p15 is a protein associated with tumor transplantation, that can block some
cell division, acting as a brake in the process of tumor formation. Nevus cells derived from this
model would have been under normal circumstances and will not develop into melanoma
cells, but if the corresponding gene p15 protein was knocked out, the canceration would
occur.
At the same time, they also found that if the BRAF mutant protein activity increases, it is
possible to cause the cells to secrete a signaling molecule TGF-(a cellular growth factor).
The high concentration of p15 has great significance in the maintenance of a benign mole.
p15 has a similar protein, p16, and they both play a role in cell growth inhibition. But the
researchers proved that p15 has its own unique features to limit the excessive proliferation of
melanocytic nevi.
In-depth research on p15 can help us understand the formation of the growth of melanoma
and nevi history. Skin cancer-related diseases will increasing as the exposure to ultraviolet
light increases. Therefore, the melanoma cell related research will always have a very
important practical significance.