23.12.2024"TGFβ signaling sensitizes MEKi-resistant human melanoma to targeted therapy-induced apoptosis"

Melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer, often becomes resistant to targeted therapies. The team of Prof. Lukas Sommer together with other UZH researchres have discovered a way to turn the tables on resistant cancer cells by using the TGFβ signaling pathway. When activated at high doses alongside standard MAPK inhibitors, TGFβ triggers cancer cell death instead of aiding tumor spread.

Key to this breakthrough is the gene BCL2L11, which drives programmed cell death in melanoma cells. The team also developed a cutting-edge mRNA therapy to deliver TGFβ directly into tumors, significantly reducing their growth. This innovative approach could pave the way for more effective treatments for drug-resistant melanoma.

The findings are published open access.