Expression of AP-2α, AP-2γ and ESDN in primary melanomas: Correlation with histopathological features and potential prognostic value

Abstract

Melanoma is characterized by increasing trends of incidence and high metastatic potential [1]. The transition from non-invasive to invasive and metastatic stage is characterized by a multi-step process by which tumour cells acquire the ability to detach and invade adjacent tissues. Loss of the transcription factor activator protein-2α (AP-2α) is an important molecular event in melanoma progression resulting in deregulation of AP-2 target genes involved in tumour growth and metastasis and associated with short Disease-Free-Survival (DFS) [2,3].