Human pathology

Home page > E. Pathology by systems > Skin > melanocytes

melanocytes

Melanocytes, after cell division, separate and migrate along the basement membrane; they extend their dendrites and establish multiple contacts with keratinocytes.

Once adhesion is established, keratinocytes control melanocyte growth and expression of cell surface receptors.

Pathology (melanocytic pathology)

- melanocytic skin lesions

  • melanocytic hyperplasia

- melanocytic tumors

References

- Haass NK, Herlyn M. Normal human melanocyte homeostasis as a paradigm for understanding melanoma. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2005 Nov;10(2):153-63. PMID: 16358819