Analysis of two different cohorts from the Oncomine database indicated that SPHK1 (encoding SK1) transcript levels were higher in human primary melanomas as compared to nevi (Fig. 1a, left panel); SPHK1 expression was further increased in metastatic melanomas (Fig. 1a, right panel), suggesting that SPHK1 expression might be associated with melanoma progression. This evidence concerns the gene SPHK1 and melanoma.