The Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Melanoma

Evidence has shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a role in the regulation of skin physiological functions such as melanocyte transformation and keratinocyte-related epidermal homeostasis. Other pathological processes may also be influenced. Recently, more evidence has suggested that ER stress participates in the pathogenesis of melanoma. Many biological functions of melanoma can be affected by the disturbance of ER stress. We herein review the network of ER stress and its role in melanoma and discuss several chemicals or drugs that may act as tumor inhibitors by influencing ER stress.