Differential PAX3 functions in normal skin melanocytes and melanoma cells

► PAX3 retains embryonic roles in adult melanocytes and melanoma cells. ► Promotes “stem” cell-like phenotype via NES and SOX9 in both cells types. ► Regulates melanoma and melanocyte migration through MCAM and CSPG4. ► PAX3 regulates melanoma but not melanocyte proliferation via TPD52. ► Regulates melanoma cell (but not melanocyte) survival via BCL2L1 and PTEN.