Genetics and Epigenetics of Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

The field of genetics and epigenetics of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Recent studies have unveiled the complex genomic landscapes of cutaneous malignancies, characterized by numerous low-prevalence pathogenic variants and diverse resistance mechanisms to targeted therapies. Additionally, epigenetic regulators have been identified as key players in the pathogenesis of these skin cancers. Despite these advancements, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Current debates focus on the integration of genomic and epigenomic data into clinical practice and the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. There is a pressing need for comprehensive investigations that leverage cutting-edge technologies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving these diseases and to identify novel therapeutic targets.

This research topic aims to discuss novel evidence and summarize existing data on the genetics and epigenetics of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. The primary objectives include exploring the genetic and epigenetic impacts on the treatment of these cutaneous disorders, advancing pharmacogenomics, and implementing genetic and epigenetic diagnostics in clinical practice. Specific questions to be addressed include the identification of novel pathogenic variants, the role of epigenetic modifications in disease progression, and the potential of new technologies such as single-cell and high-throughput omics to uncover molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

To gather further insights into the genetics and epigenetics of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

•  Diagnostic yield of next-generation sequencing in patients with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.
•  Identification of novel genes/pathogenic variants involved in these skin disorders, including exome/whole genome sequencing and single nucleotide peptide (SNP)-based approaches.
•  Implementation of genetic tools in clinical dermatological practice.
•  State-of-the-art and novel insights into the epigenetic landscape underlying melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
•  Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning approaches for skin cancer detection.

Bioinformatic studies are welcome, provided they include an independent validation cohort for statistically significant confirmation of the findings communicated.