Elevation of diffuse cytoplasmic Cx26 and paranuclear or cell membrane-bond Cx32 and paranuclear Cx30.2 during melanoma progression, the induced Cx43, Cx26 and Cx30 proteins in melanoma adjacent epidermis, and Cx43 in the tumor flanking endothelia, may reflect bidirectional adaptive interactions between the tumors and their microenvironment. The gene discussed is GJD3; the disease is melanoma.