Imp3

The insulin-like growth factor-II messenger RNA-binding protein-3, IMP3, also known as K homology domain-containing protein, is a member of the insulin-like growth factor-II mRNA-binding family and is expressed during embryogenesis and in some malignancies. For example, IMP-3 is significantly more strongly expressed in malignant melanoma than in Spitz Naevi. Furthermore, it could be shown in a study that IMP-3 expression is significantly higher in metastatic malignant melanomas than in primary tumors with a Breslow thickness ≤ 1.0 mm . In contrast, benign melanocytic nevi showed no IMP3 expression. The substance seems to play a role as an immunohistological marker in the diagnosis of primary tumors and metastases of malignant melanomas.