| Expression of AP 2alpha , c kit , and cleaved caspase 6 and 3 in naevi and malignant melanomas of the skin . ^^^ Because it has recently been demonstrated that AP 2alpha is preferentially cleaved by caspase 6 and to a lesser extent by caspase 3 , immunohistochemistry for the cleaved ( activated ) forms of caspase 6 ( c casp 6 ) and caspase 3 ( c casp 3 ) was carried out . ^^^ These findings suggest that the loss of AP 2alpha protein expression during the progression of melanoma could be related to mutation of the gene in only a small number of tumours , whereas the expression and activation of caspases , most prominently caspase 6 , may be an important factor for the down regulation of AP 2alpha protein . ^^^ |