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Skin Cancer: From Molecular Pathophysiology to Novel Treatment

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 December 2025 | Viewed by 702

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Interests: solar lentigo; RNA-seq data; inflammation; oxidative stress; dermatology; skin; photoaging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite researchers to submit original studies and reviews focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying skin cancer, including genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications, and dysregulated signaling pathways. Special emphasis is placed on tumor microenvironment interactions, immune evasion, and resistance mechanisms. We particularly welcome studies identifying novel molecular targets and developing innovative therapeutic strategies, such as targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and nanomedicine-based approaches. Additionally, research on biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and treatment response is encouraged.

This collection aims to bridge fundamental molecular research with translational and clinical applications, providing insights into next-generation skin cancer therapies. Contributions from various disciplines, including molecular biology, bioinformatics, and pharmaceutical sciences, are highly encouraged.

By bringing together cutting-edge research, we hope to advance our understanding of skin cancer pathophysiology and foster the development of more effective treatments. Submit your work to contribute to this growing field and shape the future of skin cancer therapy.

Prof. Dr. Soon-Hyo Kwon
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • basal cell carcinoma
  • malignant melanoma
  • molecular genetics
  • epigenetics
  • signaling pathways
  • tumor microenvironment
  • tumor resistance
  • biomarkers
  • molecular target
  • multiomics
  • genomics
  • transcriptomics
  • proteomics
  • metabolomics
  • skin cancer
  • squamous cell carcinoma

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

13 pages, 1527 KB  
Article
Ethnic-Specific and UV-Independent Mutational Signatures of Basal Cell Carcinoma in Koreans
by Ye-Ah Kim, Seokho Myung, Yueun Choi, Junghyun Kim, Yoonsung Lee, Kiwon Lee, Bark-Lynn Lew, Man S. Kim and Soon-Hyo Kwon
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6941; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146941 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 514
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common skin cancer, is primarily driven by Hedgehog (Hh) and TP53 pathway alterations. Although additional pathways were implicated, the mutational landscape in Asian populations, particularly Koreans, remains underexplored. We performed whole-exome sequencing of BCC tumor tissues from [...] Read more.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common skin cancer, is primarily driven by Hedgehog (Hh) and TP53 pathway alterations. Although additional pathways were implicated, the mutational landscape in Asian populations, particularly Koreans, remains underexplored. We performed whole-exome sequencing of BCC tumor tissues from Korean patients and analyzed mutations in 11 established BCC driver genes (PTCH1, SMO, GLI1, TP53, CSMD1/2, NOTCH1/2, ITIH2, DPP10, and STEAP4). Mutational profiles were compared with Caucasian cohort profiles to identify ethnicity-specific variants. Ultraviolet (UV)-exposed and non-UV-exposed tumor sites were compared; genes unique to non-UV-exposed tumors were further analyzed with protein–protein interaction analysis. BCCs in Koreans exhibited distinct features, including fewer truncating and more intronic variants compared to Caucasians. Korean-specific mutations in SMO, PTCH1, TP53, and NOTCH2 overlapped with oncogenic gain-of-function/loss-of-function (GOF/LOF) variants annotated in OncoKB, with some occurring at hotspot sites. BCCs in non-exposed areas showed recurrent mutations in CSMD1, PTCH1, and NOTCH1, suggesting a UV-independent mechanism. Novel mutations in TAS1R2 and ADCY10 were exclusive to non-exposed BCCs, with protein–protein interaction analysis linking them to TP53 and NOTCH2. We found unique ethnic-specific and UV-independent mutational profiles of BCCs in Koreans. TAS1R2 and ADCY10 may contribute to tumorigenesis of BCC in non-exposed areas, supporting the need for population-specific precision oncology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Cancer: From Molecular Pathophysiology to Novel Treatment)
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