TLDR Melanoma development can be linked to the breakdown of skin's melanin-producing units.
This review examines the early stages of melanoma development, focusing on the diversity of tumor fates that can arise from the melanocyte lineage and the influence of their maturation status and micro-environmental niche. It discusses how the integrity of the epidermal-melanin unit (EMU) can be compromised, potentially leading to melanoma, and contrasts this with the protective features of follicular-melanin units (FMUs) against melanomagenesis. Additionally, the review explores how the varied fates of melanocytes in conditions like vitiligo, albinism, psoriasis, and alopecia areata may offer insights into the outcomes for melanocytes in skin melanin units, both immune- and non-immune-mediated.
Cited in this study
7 / 7 results
17 citations
,
October 2019 in “Journal of Cell Biology” Hair follicle regeneration may slow tumor growth.
66 citations
,
March 2019 in “Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences” Melanocyte development from neural crest cells is complex and influenced by many factors, and better understanding could help treat skin disorders.
120 citations
,
November 2014 in “Biological Reviews” The telogen phase of hair growth is active and important for preparing hair follicles for regeneration, not just a resting stage.
240 citations
,
May 2011 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research” Melanocyte stem cells in hair follicles are key for hair color and could help treat greying and pigment disorders.
127 citations
,
December 2010 in “Pigment cell & melanoma research” We need more research on human hair follicle pigmentation, not just mouse models.
450 citations
,
January 2005 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Hair color is determined by melanin produced and transferred in hair follicles.
130 citations
,
December 1998 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Hair follicle melanocytes die during hair regression.
31 citations
,
November 2015 in “PloS one” Reducing Tyrosinase prevents mature color pigment cells from forming in mouse hair.
10 citations
,
November 2010 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research” Only skin melanocytes, not other types, can color hair in mice.
68 citations
,
April 2008 in “Experimental dermatology” The new assay can track and measure melanosome transfer between skin cells, confirming filopodia's role in this process.
