Loss of NECTIN1 Triggers Melanoma Dissemination upon Local IGF1 Depletion

Investigators examined the role of the third most significant chromosomal deletion in human melanoma that inactivates the adherens junction gene NECTIN1 in 55% of cases. They found that NECTIN1 loss stimulated melanoma cell migration in vitro and spreading in vivo in both zebrafish and human tumors specifically in response to decreased IGF1 signaling.