PRELP-associated transcriptomic remodeling links alternative splicing and immune checkpoint blockade outcome in melanoma

Background

Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive malignancy characterized by a high metastatic potential and variable response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). The extracellular matrix protein proline/arginine-rich end leucine-rich repeat protein (PRELP), an extracellular matrix protein, contributes to stromal architecture and tumor-immune interactions. This study investigated whether PRELP expression drives transcriptomic remodeling, alternative splicing, interferon (IFN)-related signaling pathways to influence immunotherapy responsiveness in melanoma.