Association of miR-146a-5p and miR-21-5p with Prognostic Features in Melanomas

Predictive Factors for Sentinel Lymph Node Positivity in Melanoma Patients-The Role of Liquid Biopsy, MicroRNA and Gene Expression Profile Panels

The identification of predictive factors for sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity in melanoma patients is crucial for accurate staging, prognosis, and personalized therapeutic decisions. This review synthesizes recent advancements in molecular and clinicopathological predictors, with a particular focus on liquid biopsy and gene expression profiling (GEP) tools. Emerging evidence highlights the significant role of miRNAs in melanoma progression, metastatic potential, and lymphatic spread. Clinicopathological factors such as Breslow thickness, ulceration, and mitotic rate remain critical, while GEP provides additional precision by uncovering tumor-specific molecular pathways. By integrating these tools, clinicians can improve risk stratification, reduce unnecessary procedures, and personalize management strategies.

Mechanically stabilized UiO-66-NH2-MB screen printed carbon electrode for high-performance electrochemical ratiometric quantification of miR-21-5p

The ratiometric sensing strategy, which uses dual-signal output, drastically compensates for the background noise and interference from the detection environment, compared to the sensing methods that rely on a single-signal output. However, the stability of the reference signal has become the primary challenge in constructing a ratiometric detection sensor. Therefore, in order to achieve stable ratiometric signal sensing, methylene blue (MB) was encapsulated in the UiO-66-NH2 framework and printed as a reference signal onto a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), facilitating the precise detection of miR-21-5p. Subsequently, based on the ultra-sensitive detection mechanism of catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA), the combination of miR-21-5p with H1 sequence on the Au-deposited SPCE triggered the loop-open of H1. After that, ferrocene-labeled H2 (H2-Fc) and H3-Fc sequences were sequentially added to form a stable "T-shaped" structure, and miR-21-5p was released into the next cycle. Thus, the detection of miR-21-5p was quantified by the current ratio of Fc to MB, obtaining an ultra-low detection limit of 2.7 fM. This ratiometric sensing strategy based on SPCE offers a promising pathway for highly sensitive sensing platforms.

Exploring the Common Mutational Landscape in Cutaneous Melanoma and Pancreatic Cancer

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) and pancreatic cancer are aggressive tumors whose incidences are rapidly increasing in the last years. This review aims to provide a complete and update description about mutational landscape in CM and pancreatic cancer, focusing on similarities of these two apparently so different tumors in terms of site, type of cell involved, and embryonic origin. The familial forms of CM and pancreatic cancers are often characterized by a common mutated gene, namely CDKN2A. In fact, a germline mutation in CDKN2A gene can be responsible for the development of the familial atypical multiple mole and melanoma syndrome (FAMMM), which is characterized by melanomas and pancreatic cancer development. Sporadic melanoma and pancreatic cancer showed different key-driven genes. The open-access resource cBioPortal has been explored to deepen and investigate the common mutational landscape of these two tumors. We investigated the common mutated genes found in both melanoma and pancreatic cancer with a frequency of at least 5% of tested patients and copy number alterations with a frequency of at least of 3%. Data showed that 18 mutated genes and 3 copy number alterations are present in both melanoma and pancreatic cancers types. Since we found two patients that developed both melanoma and pancreatic cancer, we compared mutation landscape between the two tumors and identified a pathogenic variant in BRCA2 gene. This review gives valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of melanoma and pancreatic cancer, urging the continued exploration and research of new genetic biomarkers able to identify patients and families at high risk of developing both cancers and to address to screening and to an effective clinical management of the patient.