Figure 2. PAR-1 regulates Maspin expression in melanoma.

Silencing PAR-1 results in decreased activation of p38 MAPK, a known inhibitor of CBP/p300. This results in higher levels of CBP/p300 HAT activity allowing for increased binding of c-Jun and Ets-1 transcription factors to the Maspin promoter. Increased Maspin expression further inhibits cell invasion, through decreased expression and activity of MMP-2, as well as angiogenesis through decreased VEGF expression.