Melanocyte biology and its implications for the clinician.

Epidermal and follicular melanocytes are neural crest derived cells that are in close contact with surrounding keratinocytes. By producing melanin in specialized organelles, the melanosomes, and transferring it to the keratinocytes, human skin becomes pigmented. Establishment of cultures of human melanocytes and an increasing interest in photo-carcinogenesis/photoaging have led to an explosion of knowledge concerning the biology of melanocytes.