The increased expression of Y box-binding protein 1 in melanoma stimulates proliferation and tumor invasion, antagonizes apoptosis and enhances chemoresistance.

In previous studies we identified the transcription/translation factor Y-box-binding protein (YB-1) as a gene that is upregulated in primary melanoma and melanoma metastases when compared to benign melanocytic nevi. To analyze whether YB-1 expression correlates with melanoma progression in vitro and in vivo, we performed expression analysis on melanoma cell lines representing different stages of melanoma progression and on tissues of melanocytic nevi, primary melanoma and melanoma metastases. Our data indicate that compared to benign melanocytes YB-1 expression is increased in melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo and that YB-1 is translocated into the nucleus in invasive and metastatic melanoma cells.