Figure 2. Ras signaling is activated during melanocyte anchorage blockade and its inhibition abrogates increased Dnmt1 protein level and global DNA hypermethylation observed in this condition.

A. Ras activity was evaluated in adhered (D0) and deadhered melanocytes (D30′) B. Dnmt1 protein expression using whole cell extracts was measured in the same conditions. C. The 5-methylcytosine (5 mC) content was determined by FACS using a specific antibody in adhered (D0) and deadhered (D3 h) melan-a melanocytes, treated (FTI) or not (NT) with 12.5 µM farnesyltransferase inhibitor. D. Melanocyte anchorage impediment results in Ras activation, which leads to increased Dnmt1 level and global DNA hypermethylation. **p<0.01.