SYDNEY, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Scientists have identified hundreds of genes linked to moles and melanoma in what they describe as the world's largest genetic study of "moliness," offering new clues for the prevention and treatment of the deadliest form of skin cancer.
The study is unraveling the complex causes of both moles and melanomas that are not related to well-known risks caused by sun exposure, skin color, and pigmentation, according to a statement from Australia's QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute released on Tuesday.
The team identified risk genes linked to pathways driving mole and melanoma development, including immune responses that may fail to control cell growth and genes involved in harmful cell proliferation seen in other cancers, said the study published in Nature Communications.
"By studying moles, we're learning more about the biology of melanoma so we can find new ways of controlling it," said Associate Professor Matthew Law, team head of QIMR Berghofer's Genetics and Skin Cancer Lab, the study's corresponding author.
Moles and melanomas originate from pigment-producing melanocytes, but while mole growth stops after forming a cluster, melanoma cells continue growing aggressively, the study noted, adding that Australia has the world's highest melanoma rates, with about 1,400 deaths annually.
Moliness is strongly influenced by genes, and having a high mole count is a major risk factor for melanoma, researchers said, adding that around a third of melanomas develop from a mole.
The study analyzed genetic data from over 85,000 people of European ancestry, uncovering 24 new genetic regions linked to mole count -- a five-fold increase on previous findings -- and identifying more than 250 genes for further study.
Researchers identified SIKE1 as a potential immunotherapy target and developed a polygenic risk score to help identify those at greater melanoma risk. ■
