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Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Mosaicism in cutaneous pigmentation
Vivian A Lombillo1, Virginia P Sybert
1Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Department of Dermatology, Group Health Permanente, Seattle, Washington 98195-6524, USA. lombillo@u.washington.edu
Purpose Of Review:
This article reviews the disorders of patterned dyspigmentation and discusses the pathogenesis of the pigmentary changes.
Recent Findings:
A range of cytogenetic abnormalities has been detected in patterned pigmentary disease. This molecular heterogeneity correlates with the wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes observed. Many of the molecular defects overlap with genes known to play a role in pigmentation. Our understanding of the underlying genetic mechanisms for these mosaic conditions is evolving with advances in technology and dissection of the molecular pathways involved in melanocyte biology.
Summary:
The causal heterogeneity of patterned dyspigmentation promises to reveal clues about the differentiation, function, and control of melanocytes in embryonic and postnatal development.
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