The transition from radial to vertical growth phase in melanoma is associated with loss of E-cadherin expression, increased N-cadherin expression and increased expression of αvβ3 integrin, leading to secretion of the antiapoptotic factor bcl-2 and MMP-2, an endopeptidase that degrades collagen IV at the BM (244–246). This evidence concerns the gene CDH1 and melanoma.