Characterizing DNA methylation in melanocytes and melanoma

Melanocytes are a type of pigment-producing cell found in skin, hair, and eyes, but can form melanoma, a highly aggressive and deadly type of cancer. Over 40% of patients with advanced-stage melanoma do not respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, a highly effective treatment that leverages the body’s immune system to fight off cancer cells. The Wellstein Lab at Georgetown University is using cell-free DNA, or DNA circulating in the blood from dead or dying cells, to distinguish between patients who are or are not responding to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy from blood draws during treatment. Although DNA from each cell in the human body is identical, specific patterns of methylation marks on DNA distinguish each type of cell. In this proposal, I aim to better improve our understanding of the DNA methylation patterns unique to melanocytes. I also seek to compare DNA methylation between melanoma tumor cells and normal melanocytes. Successful completion of the aims of this proposal will provide a deeper understanding of DNA methylation in melanocytes and melanoma and provide a way to use simple, non-invasive blood draws to monitor patient response to treatment.