Vasculogenic mimicry in melanoma tissue : immunohistochemistry, cell growth & morphological assays, migration & invasion assays and protein expression analyses

This dataset supports a study investigating the role of vasculogenic mimicry in melanoma through both in vivo and in vitro approaches. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of VCAM1 and VEGF-A in tissue samples from eleven melanoma patients, revealing intratumoral expression patterns suggestive of a role in tumour growth and vasculogenic mimicry. Due to challenges with Western blotting in tissue samples, complementary in vitro studies were conducted using the B16-F10 (melanoma) cell line. Crystal violet assays, light and polarisation microscopy, and xCELLigence real-time analysis were employed to assess cell growth, morphology, and migration. Western blot analysis confirmed VEGFR-1 expression in melanoma cells, and VEGFR-1 blockade significantly reduced migration and invasion, reinforcing its role in vasculogenic mimicry.

Sunitinib malate treatment induced morphological changes and decreased cell proliferation, supporting its apoptotic effects. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA or nonparametric regression, with a sample size of nine for in vitro assays. The data from immunohistochemistry were analysed qualitatively in collaboration with an experienced pathologist. This dataset provides mechanistic insights and supports the therapeutic potential of targeting VEGFR-1 in melanoma.