Phenotype switching in melanoma is regulated by key transcriptional factors, e.g., the melanoma transcriptional master regulator microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf)38,39 and the nerve growth factor receptor CD271 (Ngfr)40, the latter promoting an invasive and metastatic cell behavior accompanied by upregulation of neural crest stem cell genes32,34,35,39. The gene discussed is NGFR; the disease is melanoma.