title: How, and from which cell sources, do nevi really develop?
abstract: Melanocytic neoplasms are a diverse group of benign and malignant tumors with variable clinical features. While some models still promote the epidermal melanocyte as the origin of melanocytic neoplasms, clinical findings are inconsistent with this theory for the majority of tumors. Despite advances in naevus and melanoma biology, the location and differentiation status of the cell of origin remains undefined. Germ line genetics, biological state and cellular location of the mutated cell, as well as local environmental factors all likely play a role in the development of melanocytic neoplasms. Herein, we will review potential models for melanocytic neoplasia and discuss research challenges and opportunities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Grichnik
authors.forename: Andrew L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Samantha L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: Margaret I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Sanchez
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Eller
authors.forename: Konstantinos E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Hatzistergos
mesh_terms: D063646:Carcinogenesis; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002465:Cell Movement; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology*; D009154:Mutation; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D009506:Nevus / Q000473:pathology*; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000473:pathology*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*
keywords: melanoblast; melanocytic stem cell; melanoma stem cell; melanomagenesis; nevogenesis