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Induction of connexin 26 and 30 may be used as a marker for malignant melanoma

The regulation of the expression of connexins (Cx), a family of proteins involved in the formation of gap junctions, has been correlated with tumor progression, depending on the type of tumor and particular connexin involved. The effects of Cx26 and Cx30 induction in the epidermis adjacent to melanoma were recently investigated by collaborating scientists from Germany, Australia and the Netherlands. The sensitivity and specificity of Cx26 (98/71%) and Cx30 (100/50%) induction were assessed in 41 cases of malignant melanoma (MM) in various tumor stages and in 14 benign nevi. They were found to exceed those of the standard markers MelanA, S100 and HMB45 in the MM samples. Dissemination of Cx26 and ...