Cannabinoid receptor 2 is upregulated in melanoma.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of CB 2 in normal skin, pigmented nevus, and malignant melanoma; analyze its relation with genesis; and development of malignant melanoma.


METHODS
In our study, we detected the expression of CB 2 in 20 cases of melanoma, nevus tissue, and normal skin tissues, respectively, by using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and RT-PCR. Moreover, we investigated the localization and expression of CB 2 in human melanoma cell line A375 and human immortalized keratinocyte cell line HaCaT by using immunofluorescence and western blotting.


RESULTS
Our data revealed that CB 2 is unregulated in melanoma.


CONCLUSIONS
CB 2 plays a role in the development of melanoma.
Department of Dermatology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.
Zigang
Z
Zhao
Jie
J
Yang
Hua
H
Zhao
Xiangdong
X
Fang
Hengjin
H
Li
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D009506:Nevus / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2