Submission Deadline: 20 October 2025 View: 54 Submit to Special Issue
Prof. Dr. Youssef Haikel
Email: youssef.haikel@unistra.fr
Affiliation: Department of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, INSERM UMR_S 1121, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
Research Interests: oral biology, oral cancer biology, infectious diseases, antimicrobial proteins, biomaterial, periodentitis
Dr. Mohamed Hassan
Email: dr.hassan@gmx.de
Affiliation: Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Research Interests: viral oncolog, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, head and neck mucosal melanlanoma, cancer stem cells, moleculat tumor therapy, antimicrobial proteins
Mucosal melanomas (MM), particularly oral mucosal melanoma (OMM), represent a rare and aggressive form of melanoma that arises from the malignant transformation of melanocytes within mucosal tissues, such as the oral cavity. Unlike cutaneous melanomas, which are linked to UV exposure, OMM lacks the typical environmental triggers, making it essential to explore the distinct molecular mechanisms and cellular adaptations involved in its pathogenesis. This special issue aims to highlight the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving OMM and other mucosal melanomas, while focusing on innovative therapeutic strategies to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
The issue will bring together cutting-edge research on the genetic mutations, cellular signaling pathways, immune evasion mechanisms, and the tumor microenvironment that contribute to the development and progression of mucosal melanomas. Special attention will be given to the exploration of targeted therapies and immune-based interventions, as well as the role of cancer stem cells and therapy resistance in OMM. By integrating both basic and clinical research, the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular underpinnings of OMM, offering valuable insights into its treatment.
Key Areas of Focus:
1. Cellular Mechanisms in Mucosal Melanomas:
-Investigating the cellular transformations and molecular features that distinguish OMM from cutaneous melanomas, including signaling pathways such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt/?-catenin.
-Understanding the roles of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis in the progression of OMM.
2. Molecular Mechanisms and Etiopathogenesis:
-Exploring the genetic and epigenetic alterations specific to OMM, with a focus on identifying novel molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis.
3. Immune Evasion and Tumor Microenvironment:
-Examining how OMM cells evade immune detection and interact with immune cells and stromal components within the tumor microenvironment.
-Assessing the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors and other immune-based therapies for treating OMM.
4. Diagnostic Advances in Mucosal Melanomas:
-Reviewing innovative diagnostic methods and molecular markers that can enhance early detection and differentiation of OMM from other melanoma subtypes.
5. Therapeutic Strategies:
-Exploring current and emerging therapies for OMM, including targeted therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and gene therapies.
-Investigating combination treatments to overcome therapy resistance and improve patient outcomes.
6. Cancer Stem Cells and Therapy Resistance:
-Studying the role of cancer stem cells in OMM, their contribution to therapy resistance, and their potential as therapeutic targets for improving treatment efficacy.
This special issue will provide a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving mucosal melanomas, particularly oral mucosal melanoma (OMM). By focusing on molecular pathways, immune interactions, and novel therapeutic strategies, the issue will promote the development of more effective and targeted treatments for this rare and aggressive cancer type.
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