Exploring the Role of Melanocyte Subpopulations in Vitiligo
TLDR A specific group of early-stage melanocytes is reduced in vitiligo-affected skin, which may explain treatment resistance.
The study investigates the role of melanocyte subpopulations in vitiligo, a skin condition characterized by depigmentation due to the loss of melanocytes. Using scRNAseq and flow cytometry, researchers identified a subpopulation of melanocytes with high NTRK2 expression and progenitor cell features. Analysis of skin biopsies from vitiligo patients revealed a significant reduction in NTRK2+ melanocytes compared to healthy skin, suggesting these cells are selectively depleted in vitiligo. This depletion was also observed in ex-vivo human skin and in-vivo mouse models. The findings indicate that the loss of progenitor melanocytes may be a key factor in vitiligo pathogenesis and could explain the limited effectiveness of treatments like UVB therapy in some patients.
