Melanoma
Core of basic research: Focus on ultraviolet-induced DNA damage and repair defects, the abnormal activation of the MAPK pathway (BRAF V600E, NRAS), and the dysregulation of MITF (melanocyte differentiation transcription factor). Explore the immune escape mechanism mediated by immune checkpoints (PD-L1/CTLA-4).
Core key proteins: BRAF V600E (driver mutation of MAPK pathway with high frequency), NRAS (small GTPase activating pathway upon mutation), MEK1/2/ERK1/2 (MAPK pathway kinases for signal transduction), PI3K/Akt (enhances survival signals), PD-L1/CTLA-4 (immune checkpoints mediating escape), MITF (regulates melanocyte differentiation and proliferation).