Kruppel-like factor 6 in the progression and prognosis of malignant melanoma

Objectives:The aims of this study were to investigate the incidence of Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) protein staining in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma and examine its potential relevance to clinicopathological characteristics and tumour cell proliferation. Methods:Clinicopathological data from patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma were analysed retrospectively. Presence of KLF6 and the antigen Ki-67 in malignant melanoma and healthy tissue samples from each patient was detected by immunohistochemistry. The proliferation index was calculated on the basis of Ki-67 expression. The relationship between KLF6 and clinicopathological characteristics was also analysed. Results:KLF6 was detected more frequently in normal healthy skin tissue compared with cutaneous malignant melanoma lesions (n=40). There was a negative correlation between the presence of KLF6 and the proliferation index. The presence of KLF6 was also significantly correlated with tumour diameter, lymph node metastasis, tumour-node-metastasis stage and 3-year survival rate. Conclusions:KLF6 protein is downregulated in human cutaneous malignant melanoma lesions compared with healthy skin tissue. KLF6 may be involved in tumour progression and may be a tumour suppressor and prognostic marker for cutaneous malignant melanoma.