Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells
Published on: July 20, 2014
Impact of E-cadherin expression pattern in melanocytic nevi and cutaneous malignant melanoma
Iman Abdel Fattah Seleit1, Rehab Monir Samaka, Mohammed Ahmed Basha
1Department of Dermatology, Andrology and STDs, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufiya University, Shibeen El Koom, Menoufiya Governorate, Egypt.
Objective:
To explore the relationship between the immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin and the relevant clinicopathologic features in various types of melanocytic nevi and cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM).
Study Design:
Using standard immunohistochemical techniques, we examined 30 CMMs, 30 melanocytic nevi and 10 sex- and age-matched volunteers for the expression of E-cadherin.
Results:
A total of 90% of melanocytic nevi and all dysplastic nevi showed positive cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for E-cadherin with decreased intensity at the deeply located cells. A significant difference was noticed between types of CMM regarding the pattern of immunostaining of E-cadherin (p < 0.01), whereas all nodular malignant melanomas (NMMs) express the membranous pattern in contrast to the cytoplasmic one in other types of CMM. Reduced overall survival was significantly associated with advanced stage, late Clark level and membranous pattern of E-cadherin expression.
Conclusion:
E-cadherin expression in nevi is related to the degree of melanocytic maturation. Qualitative changes in the expression and cellular localization of E-cadherin are observed in melanoma that may reflect different stages of progression with molecular changes and may imply a prognostic marker.
Related Concept Videos
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Structure of Cadherins
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
