An integrated approach identifies new oncotargets in melanoma

Abstract
Melanoma is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer, and detecting the primary tumor early can significantly improve prognosis. Although many genes have been implicated in melanoma, a comprehensive understanding of the melanoma transformation process is still lacking. Investigating the pathways involved in tumor suppression using in vitro models can help identify potential oncotarget genes. In this study, we aimed to explore novel oncotargets through a combined approach involving proteomics, gene expression, and bioinformatics.

We examined molecular changes in melanoma cells treated with ascorbic acid, known for its high-concentration cancer growth inhibition. Using proteomic techniques, we gained deeper insights into the anticancer effects of ascorbic acid and identified deregulated processes that may point to additional biomarkers. We also assessed gene expression and cell migration in various melanoma cell lines. Our multidisciplinary approach revealed the involvement of several genes—Enolase 1 (ENO1), Parkinsonism-associated deglycase (PARK7), Prostaglandin E synthase 3 (PTGES3), Nucleophosmin (NPM1), and Stathmin 1 (STMN1)—in cell transformation. Furthermore, Single-stranded DNA binding protein 1 (SSBP1) emerged as a AP-III-a4 potential oncosuppressor in melanoma.