Melanocyte biology and its implications for the clinician
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Updated: Oct 23, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
G Vancoillie1, J Lambert, J M Nayaert
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
Abstract:
Epidermal and follicular melanocytes are neural crest derived cells that are in close contact with surrounding keratinocytes. By producing melanin in specialized organelles, the melanosomes, and transferring it to the keratinocytes, human skin becomes pigmented. Establishment of cultures of human melanocytes and an increasing interest in photo-carcinogenesis/photoaging have led to an explosion of knowledge concerning the biology of melanocytes.
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