Recently scientists from Britain’s Institute Of Cancer Research have discovered the gene BRAFV600E is the actual trigger in melanomas, previously researchers were unsure whether this was the cause of the cancer or the trigger of the cancer.
Marias et al conducted a study on mice where they induced the expression of BRAFV600E in mice by exposing them to tamoxifen (TM)-activated version of Crerecombinase which closely replicates the BRAF mutations that occur in humans. Thus the scientists had created a mouse
model for human melanoma. The mice that had been exposed to the TM then displayed early signs of skin cancer – the skin changed to a dark pigment (as shown in the picture taken from the study). Later on in the study, the mice that had the BRAFV600E induced developed melanoma.So, Marias et al has ‘developed a mouse model of melanoma driver by BRAFV600E expressed at physiological levels that reflects the genetics and pathology of the human disease.’ Thus scientists will now be able to hone their research towards the BRAFV600E gene to find treatments and possibly a cure for some types of skin cancer.
Hirschler, B 2009, ‘Experts Find Gene Trigger For Deadly Skin Cancer’, Courier Mail, 7th April 2009, viewed 17th April 2009, < http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,,25301553-5003402,00.html>
Dhomen, N; Reis-Filho, J; da Rocha Dias, S; Hayward, R; Savage, K; Delmas, V; Larue, L; Pritchard, C; Marais, R; ‘Oncogenic Braf Induces Melaocyte Senescence And Melanoma In Mice’ Cancer Cell vol. 15, Issue 4, pg 294 – 304, viewed 17th April 2009, < http://www.cell.com/cancer-cell/fulltext/S1535-6108(09)00074-9 >
