Comparative Genomics Provides Etiologic and Biological Insight into Melanoma Subtypes

Felicity Newell*, Peter A. Johansson, James S. Wilmott, Katia Nones, Vanessa Lakis, Antonia L. Pritchard, Serigne N. Lo, Robert V. Rawson, Stephen H. Kazakoff, Andrew J. Colebatch, Lambros T. Koufariotis, Peter M. Ferguson, Scott Wood, Conrad Leonard, Matthew H. Law, Kelly M. Brooks, Natasa Broit, Jane M. Palmer, Kasey L. Couts, Ismael A. VergaraGeorgina V. Long, Andrew P. Barbour, Omgo E. Nieweg, Brindha Shivalingam, William A. Robinson, Jonathan R. Stretch, Andrew J. Spillane, Robyn P.M. Saw, Kerwin F. Shannon, John F. Thompson, Graham J. Mann, John V. Pearson, Richard A. Scolyer*, Nicola Waddell*, Nicholas K. Hayward

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    31 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Melanoma is a cancer of melanocytes, with multiple subtypes based on body site location. Cutaneous melanoma is associated with skin exposed to ultraviolet radia-tion; uveal melanoma occurs in the eyes; mucosal melanoma occurs in internal mucous membranes; and acral melanoma occurs on the palms, soles, and nail beds. Here, we present the largest whole-genome sequencing study of melanoma to date, with 570 tumors profiled, as well as methylation and RNA sequencing for subsets of tumors. Uveal melanoma is genomically distinct from other melanoma subtypes, harboring the lowest tumor mutation burden and with significantly mutated genes in the G-protein signaling pathway. Most cutaneous, acral, and mucosal melanomas share alterations in com-ponents of the MAPK, PI3K, p53, p16, and telomere pathways. However, the mechanism by which these pathways are activated or inactivated varies between melanoma subtypes. Additionally, we identify potential novel germline predisposition genes for some of the less common melanoma subtypes. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the largest whole-genome analysis of melanoma to date, comprehensively comparing the genomics of the four major melanoma subtypes. This study highlights both similarities and differences between the subtypes, providing insights into the etiology and biology of melanoma.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2856-2879
    Number of pages24
    JournalCancer Discovery
    Volume12
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2022

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