Depletion of p42.3 gene inhibits proliferation and invasion in melanoma cells

Purpose The p42.3 gene is identified recently, and the upregulated expression has been characterized in a variety of human cancers and embryonic tissues but not yet in malignant melanoma. In this study, we explored the role of p42.3 gene in the development of melanoma. Methods The expression of p42.3 was detected by immunohistochemistry staining of 261 cases of patient lesions, including nevi and melanoma, and its correlation with clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis was analyzed. Furthermore, a series of in vitro assays were used to investigate the biological function of p42.3 in melanoma cells. Results Immunohistochemistry staining showed an elevated expression level of p42.3 in melanoma compared to nevi ( P = 0.001). Statistical analysis indicated that this high level was well correlated with patients’ clinical stage ( P = 0.045), but not with gender, age, clinical type, mitotic rate, and overall survival ( P > 0.05). Moreover, in vitro assays showed knockdown p42.3 gene expression could inhibit the biological profiling, including proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells, and also affect PI3K/Akt pathway, MAPK pathway, and β-catenin. Conclusions This study suggests that p42.3, acting like an oncogene, is involved in the malignant transformation process of melanoma and may serve as a biomarker for diagnostic and treatment purposes.