The reversion of Apaf-1 expression by the methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine in melanoma cells (Soengas et al, 2001) suggests that hypermethylation of Apaf-1 promoter or the upstream regulators may contribute to the reduction/loss of Apaf-1 expression in melanoma. Here, APAF1 is linked to melanoma.