Melanogenesis interference by intracellular bacteria: exploring a pathophysiological mechanism in cancer (melanoma)

Abstract

[eng] An association between bacteria and tumorigenesis has been long established. Recent studies have identified intracellular bacteria within cancer cells, including melanoma, although its role in carcinogenesis remains unclear. In the context of melanoma, it can be speculated whether intracellular bacteria could interfere with the host cell signaling pathways and, consequently, contribute to melanoma development. In this review, the main signaling pathways in melanomagenesis and melanogenesis are summarized and correlated with intracellular bacteriainduced mechanisms that could trigger or influence tumorigenesis at different levels. Although several mechanisms were compatible, the evidence so far has identified Bartonella henselae, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Mycoplasma hyorhinis, and Staphylococcus aureus within melanoma cells. It remains a hypothesis whether these bacteria could be involved in melanomagenesis. At present, no pro-melanoma interference between these intracellular bacteria and the eukaryotic niche has been demonstrated per se; thus, further studies are needed.