MCAM and cancer: Regarding AP-2α, its expression loss during cancer progression directly impairs proto-oncogene c-kit (c-KIT) expression and up-regulates Melanoma Cell Adhesion Molecule (MCAM/MUC18) (39), but also the thrombin receptor Protease-Activated Receptor-1 (PAR-1) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) genes (40).