Dynamic changes in expression of adhesion receptors and ECM proteins in melanoma progression.
Parentheses indicate molecules exhibiting a gradual increase between steps.
However, the most notable marker is the beta3 subunit of alpha v beta 3 integrin. In addition, a decrease in adhesion molecule expression with melanoma progression has been described. The loss of E-cadherin expression has significant biological consequences in melanocytic cells. Thus, E-cadherin may act as a tumor suppressor in the melanoma system. Adhesion receptors in melanoma-melanoma cell interactions.