Yuanhuang “Harry” Chen, MS

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are inflammatory lipid mediators that signal primarily through the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) CysLTR1 and CysLTR2. Recently, a mutant form of CYSLTR2 (the gene encoding CysLTR2) was discovered to drive cell proliferation in uveal melanoma (UM) and dermal blue nevi. However, it has been suggested that CysLTR2 signaling is highly dependent on the cellular microenvironment. For example, paracrine signaling within the skin microenvironment can regulate melanocyte responses to oncogenic mutations. In fact, CysLTs have been identified as components of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which responds to oxidative stress. This study aims to elucidate the role of CysLTs signaling in promoting either proliferation or senescence of melanocytes. Findings from this research could validate CysLTRs as drug targets for therapeutic interventions in the prevention and treatment of melanoma and pigmentation disorders.