Eight candidate genes (KLF4, KLF10, ZEB1, ZNF83, ZNF148, CEBP, BACH1 and PAX9) were selected for further analysis based on their higher expression levels in melanoma compared to normal melanocytes, and individually tested as potential trans-activators of the minimal miR-182 cluster promoter in HEK293T cells. The gene discussed is PAX9; the disease is melanoma.