Human Melanocyte Development and Melanoma Dedifferentiation at Single Cell Resolution

The study utilized a single-cell enrichment and RNA-sequencing approach to analyze human epidermal melanocytes directly from skin, revealing new insights into their development and differentiation. Researchers identified subpopulations of melanocytes with site-specific enrichment that begins during gestation and continues into adulthood. They discovered human-specific transcriptional programs distinct from those in model organisms, which helped define patterns of dedifferentiation predictive of melanoma prognosis. This research provided valuable information on human melanocyte biology and melanoma dedifferentiation, highlighting differences from model systems and offering potential implications for understanding melanoma outcomes.