CD44 and melanoma: There are a number of findings here which merit discussion: These include; a) the morphologic, ultrastructural, and immunophenotypic (co-expression of epithelial, melanocytic, and macrophage biomarkers) characteristics of the MTF populations, and the presence of melanoma-derived DNA in them; b) potential importance of MIF, and related stem cell markers CXCR4 and CD44 produced by MTFs, in establishing “niches” at distant sites; and c) potential role of ploidy and DNA handling in progression and metastasis.