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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Abstract:
Nevocellular nevus can develop by two mechanisms: 1. after the chronic solar irradiation of the skin which impairs barrier lipids' homeostais and keratinocytes together with melanocytes undergo apoptosis; 2. Apoptosis can arise in melanocytes during phylogenetic development from the neural crest to epidermis when it migrates through the "enemy" territory of dermis. Apoptosis can be thus stopped by enzymatic process which results in anoikis and the endangered melanocyte would further proliferate. The later is the path of nevocellular nevi.
Insights
Nevocellular nevi, or moles, can form when skin cells undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis) during development or due to sun damage. This process, when interrupted, can lead to mole formation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Nevocellular nevi (moles) are common skin growths.
- Their development is linked to cellular processes like apoptosis and environmental factors such as solar irradiation.
- Understanding mole development is crucial for distinguishing benign nevi from malignant melanoma.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the distinct mechanisms of nevocellular nevus formation.
- To investigate the role of apoptosis in melanocyte development and response to environmental stress.
- To differentiate the pathways leading to benign nevi versus other skin conditions.
Summary:
- Nevocellular nevi can arise from two primary pathways: chronic solar irradiation damaging skin barrier lipids and inducing apoptosis, or apoptosis during embryonic melanocyte migration from the neural crest.
- In the latter case, enzymatic processes can halt melanocyte apoptosis, leading to anoikis (a form of apoptosis triggered by detachment) and subsequent proliferation, resulting in nevocellular nevi.
- This suggests that interrupted apoptosis during development is a key factor in benign mole formation.
Impact:
- Provides a deeper understanding of benign mole (nevocellular nevus) pathogenesis.
- Highlights the differential roles of apoptosis in skin development and response to UV radiation.
- Offers potential insights into cellular mechanisms that could be relevant for skin cancer research.
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