Ganglioside Expression in Melanocytes: Modulation by Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors.

Melanocytes are a unique cell lineage and have possible functions in skin tissue. Gangliosides GD3 and/or GD2 have been rigorously studied in malignant melanomas that derive from melanocytes. Recently, ganglioside expression on normal melanocytes have been paid attention with a focus on their functions and responses to various stimulations. These results suggest potential meaning of gangliosides in the activation status of cells or "omen" for malignant transformation of normal melanocytes. Here, ways for melanocyte culture, treatment by ultraviolet exposure and by various cytokines such as TNFα and IL-6 to analyze responses of melanocytes are explained. The ways for measurement of changes in glycosyltransferase genes and caused signaling responses as well as ganglioside expression are also explained.