Molecular basis of dermatologic disease

Dermatology is evolving from a discipline based on morphologic observation and empiric treatments to a more creative, active medical specialty that emphasizes specific treatments based on a growing collection of cellular an molecular information about skin and skin disease. Sound, respectable work is being done. We should do whatever is possible to encourage further productivity. A recent meeting sponsored by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization provided a forum for the scientist-dermatologist to summarize and survey what is known about the molecular basis of the function of skin and pathophysiologic disorders of skin. The meeting necessarily included articles on inflammation, connective tissue, immunology, photobiology, and other disciplines woven into dermatology research. We are beginning to understand the integument, and our modest success shows that much more is to be done an that we are enlisting impressive tools and good people to pursue the work.