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Updated: May 22, 2026

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Experimental Metastasis Assay
Published on: August 24, 2010
Increased HOX C13 expression in metastatic melanoma progression
Monica Cantile1, Giosuè Scognamiglio, Annamaria Anniciello
1Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione G, Pascale, via Mariano Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy. monicantile@libero.it
Journal of Translational Medicine
|May 16, 2012
Summary
HOX C13 is overexpressed in metastatic melanoma, suggesting its role in melanoma progression. This finding highlights HOX C13 as a potential biomarker for metastatic melanoma switch.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Melanoma malignant transformation and metastasis mechanisms remain unclear.
- Gene expression changes during melanoma metastasis require further investigation.
- HOX genes, particularly paralogous group 13, are implicated in various cancers, including melanoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern of HOX C13 during melanoma progression.
- To evaluate the role of HOX C13 in the transition from primary melanoma to metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of HOX C13 expression in nevi, primary melanoma, and metastatic melanoma tissues.
- Evaluation of HOXC13 expression profiles in melanoma cell lines.
Main Results:
- Significant and progressive overexpression of HOX C13 was observed in metastatic melanoma tissues and cells.
- HOX C13 expression levels were higher in metastatic samples compared to nevi and primary melanoma.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a potential role for HOX C13 in the metastatic switch of melanoma.
- HOX C13 overexpression may be a key factor in melanoma progression and metastasis.
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