The Impact of CDKN2A in Cutaneous Melanoma

Summary

This project explores how the CDKN2A gene has an impact on cutaneous melanoma. CDKN2A codes for two major tumor suppressor proteins that are especially important when it comes to stopping cutaneous melanoma. In ~50% of cases, this gene is inactivated, whether it be by somatic mutations or germline mutations.

CDKN2A can be mutated from birth, or it can be mutated by external factors, mainly the sun. There are family lines stretching back over 90 generations that have a singular mutation in CDKN2A, which gives the member a much higher chance of contracting cutaneous melanoma. Additionally, many people go to tanning beds, but they fail to understand that the amount of UVA that they are exposed to is too much for their bodies to handle. Their body cannot correct the mutations made in the DNA because of UV radiation, which could lead to cutaneous melanoma.

My project dives into how fragile the gene is due to both of its proteins being coded by the same mRNA strand. Additionally, it highlights the effects of UV light on the skin and how UV rays interact with DNA.

Illustration of the CDKN2A gene.
(Figure representation created by the author: Amit Garg)

Impact Statement

Amit Garg

"

I learned many things from this program about cancer, which was really interesting, but I think the resources that I got introduced to were the best part of this. These are great resources that I can use in future research and assignments for school. Also, doing the research project helped me to understand what doing thorough research was like and experience diving into a topic that I found interesting.

Student Reflection

By: Amit Garg.
The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of ELIO Academy.