The dual role of cold atmospheric plasma as a promising modulator in melanoma

Objective: Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP), known for its antibacterial properties and potential therapeutic benefits, is emerging as a promising alternativeto traditional chemical disinfectants. This study aims to investigate the dual role of CAP in skin disinfection and its potential effects on melanoma. Specifically, the study examines how CAP affects gene expression and the potential implications of these effects on both skin health and cancer progression. Methods: In this study, gene expression analysis was performed on human skin epithelial keratinocytes (HaCaT) post-treatment with Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) and melanoma cell lines. Raw gene expression data were obtained from Array Express (E-GEOD-46343) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE22301) databases. The data were normalized using the Robust Multichip Average (RMA) method. For the melanoma cell lines, normal human melanocytes were used as the control group to ensure a comparative analysis of gene expression changes between cancerous and noncancerous cells. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using R packages Limma, affy, and edgeR. Common genes were identified with Venny 2.1.0, and hierarchical clustering analysis was performed using Gene Cluster v3.0. Pathway analysis was conducted using DAVID and KEGG, DAVID provides functional annotation clustering, while KEGG offers pathway mapping to identify significant biological processes. In addition, network analysis was performed using GeneMANIA and Cytoscape software. Results: This study revealed significant differential gene expressions highlighting CAP’s impact on both antimicrobial activity and cancer-related gene regulation. Key genes involved in oxidative stress responses, including ARID1A, NIPBL, BPTF, and OTUB1, showed notable changes. Downregulation of ARID1A, NIPBL, and BPTF is linked to impaired DNA repair and increased genomic instability, critical in melanoma progression. In contrast, upregulation of OTUB1 promotes cell survival and resistance to apoptosis. These findings suggest CAP’s dual role in enhancing antimicrobial defenses and influencing cancer-related pathways, particularly through the modulation of oxidative stress responses. Conclusion: Our findings provide a foundation for understanding the molecular effectsof CAP and its potential in developing novel therapeutic strategies for melanoma.These studies clarify CAP’s beneficial impacts on skin health and potential carcinogenic risks, providing robust scientific data for future applications.