Melanoma development: molecular biology, genetics and clinical application

The book provides comprehensive insights into molecular changes in malignant melanoma. The general mechanisms of melanoma growth and development are described, as well as new research findings. Our current knowledge on the molecules involved in cell transformation and tumor progression will soon lead to sophisticated, targeted therapies. Recent studies with targeted b-RAF inhibitors have given us grounds to hope that these therapies will be successful. Melanoma Development- Molecular Biology, Genetics and Clinical Application aims to contribute to this knowledge. Summarizing the newest data and presenting upcoming research areas in the field, the book will be of great interest to basic researchers and physicians working in the important fields of melanoma, cancer research, therapy and dermatology.

Melanoma Development; Copyright page; Preface; Contents; Contributors; 1: Introduction; 1.1 Clinicopathologic Overview of Melanoma; 1.2 Chapters of the Book; References; 2: Epidermal Melanocytes: Regulation of Their Survival, Proliferation, and Function in Human Skin; 2.1 Unique Properties of Melanocytes; 2.2 Factors that Determine Cutaneous Pigmentation; 2.3 Pigmentation, the Main Photoprotective Mechanism in the Skin Against Solar UV; 2.4 Evidence for a Paracrine/Autocrine Network in Human Skin.

2.4.1 The Melanocortin 1 Receptor Physiological Agonists and Antagonists are Epidermal-Derived Factors that Regulate Eumelanin and Pheomelanin Synthesis2.4.2 Antagonistic Effects of Bone Morphogenetic Protein and Noggin on Pigmentation, and Their Potential Regulation of MC1R Agonists and Antagonists; 2.4.3 Identification of the Nature of Paracrine Factors in the Skin; 2.4.4 Eicosanoids as Paracrine/Autocrine Factors for Melanocytes; 2.4.5 An Equivalent of the Hypothalamic/Pituitary/Adrenal Axis Is Present in Human Skin.

2.4.6 Neurotrophins as Members of the Cutaneous Neuroendocrine Paracrine Network2.4.7 Semaphorin 7 a, A Neuronal Factor Synthesized in Human Skin; 2.4.8 Neuregulin-1, A…