Cells aiding melanoma identified

Indra said,These adjacent cells,which are called keratinocytes,are actually the driver for the changes and malignant transformation in the pigment-producing cells,which are called melanocytes. So there are two avenues the pigment-producing cells where the cancer develops,and the adjacent skin cells which talk to the pigment-producing cells in the form of signals. They work in coordination,theyre partners in crime.

Scientists found a protein called RXR-alpha in skin keratinocytes that appears to protect pigment cells and prevent them from progressing to invasive melanoma.