biostudies-literatureUnknown5(1)de Assis LVMThe search for new therapeutical targets for cutaneous melanoma and other cancers is an ongoing task. We expanded this knowledge by evaluating whether opsins, light- and thermo-sensing proteins, could display tumor-modulatory effects on melanoma cancer. Using different experimental approaches, we show that melanoma cell proliferation is slower in the absence of Opn4, compared to Opn4^WT due to an impaired cell cycle progression and reduced melanocyte inducing transcription factor (Mitf) expression. In vivo tumor progression of Opn4^KO cells is remarkably reduced due to slower proliferation, and higher immune system response in Opn4^KO tumors. Using pharmacological assays, we demonstrate that guanylyl cyclase activity is impaired in Opn4^KO cells. EvaCommunications biology461https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9106662biostudies-literatureMelanopsin (Opn4) is an oncogene in cutaneous melanoma.PMC9106662Camara NOSMenck CFMMendes DCastrucci AMLLacerda JTSilva MMMoraes MNKinker GSde Assis LVMDominguez-Amorocho OAfalseMelanopsin (Opn4) is an oncogene in cutaneous melanoma.The search for new therapeutical targets for cutaneous melanoma and other cancers is an ongoing task. We expanded this knowledge by evaluating whether opsins, light- and thermo-sensing proteins, could display tumor-modulatory effects on melanoma cancer. Using different experimental approaches, we show that melanoma cell proliferation is slower in the absence of Opn4, compared to Opn4^WT due to an impaired cell cycle progression and reduced melanocyte inducing transcription factor (Mitf) expression. In vivo tumor progression of Opn4^KO cells is remarkably reduced due to slower proliferation, and higher immune system response in Opn4^KO tumors. Using pharmacological assays, we demonstrate that guanylyl cyclase activity is impaired in Opn4^KO cells. Eva2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 May2025-04-19T16:21:22.749Z2025-04-19T16:21:22.749ZS-EPMC91066623556240510.1038/s42003-022-03425-6