title: Increased HOX C13 expression in metastatic melanoma progression.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The process of malignant transformation, progression and metastasis of melanoma is not completely understood. Recently, the microarray technology has been used to survey transcriptional differences that might provide insight into the metastatic process, but the validation of changing gene expression during metastatic transition period is poorly investigated. A large body of literature has been produced on the role of the HOX genes network in tumour evolution, suggesting the involvement of HOX genes in several types of human cancers. Deregulated paralogous group 13 HOX genes expression has been detected in melanoma, cervical cancer and odonthogenic tumors. Among these, Hox C13 is also involved in the expression control of the human keratin genes hHa5 and hHa2, and recently it was identified as a member of human DNA replication complexes.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, to investigate HOX C13 expression in melanoma progression, we have compared its expression pattern between naevi, primary melanoma and metastasis. In addition HOXC13 profile pattern of expression has been evaluated in melanoma cell lines.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our results show the strong and progressive HOX C13 overexpression in metastatic melanoma tissues and cytological samples compared to nevi and primary melanoma tissues and cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data presentated in the paper suggest a possible role of HOX C13 in metastatic melanoma switch.
authors.affiliation: Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione G, Pascale, via Mariano Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy. monicantile@libero.it
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cantile
authors.forename: Giosuè
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Scognamiglio
authors.forename: Annamaria
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Anniciello
authors.forename: Marisa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Farina
authors.forename: Giusy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gentilcore
authors.forename: Clemente
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Santonastaso
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fulciniti
authors.forename: Clemente
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cillo
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Franco
authors.forename: Paolo A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Ascierto
authors.forename: Gerardo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Botti
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005801:Genes, Homeobox; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D016612:Paraffin Embedding; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C410305:HOXC13 protein, human; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins