Moles require the presence of two specific proteins to become dangerous melanomas, according to re-searchers at the Penn State College of Medicine Cancer Institute. But the exact method by which moles be-come melanomas — the deadliest skin cancer, due to its swift metastasis — has remained unknown.

Two interacting proteins produced by mutated genes may hold the an-swer. Mutated B-Raf genes make a protein that can facilitate mole growth and survival. The Penn State team discovered that an-other gene, Akt3, makes a second protein that allows cancer development by lowering B-Raf's melanoma-preventing activity in mole tissue. The proteins communicate only when among melanoma cells, although it's still unclear how they initially get together within moles. Potential benefits of this discovery include earlier melanoma detection through blood testing for these proteins, and more personalized cancer treatment via drugs that would target Atk3 and control tumors with less patient toxicity.

http://Eurekalert.org/. "Scientists identify interacting proteins key to melanoma development." 2008. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-05/ps-sii050608.php (9 May 2008).