Melanocyte Collection

Skin cancer cell, SEM C016 / 4764
Skin cancer cell. Coloured ion-abrasion scanning electron micrograph (IA-SEM) of a melanoma cell. The large dark sphere is the cell nucleus, which contains the cells genetic information

Large eroded plaque on the leg with areas of crust
Metastatic Melanoma. Large eroded plaque on the leg with areas of crust. Scattered eroded dermal nodules are also present

Melanoma on a patients skin

3D structure of melanoma cell
3D structure of a melanoma cell derived by ion abrasion scanning electron microscopy

Dermal nevi are often elevated about the skin and are common on the head and neck area. Coloration may be similar to background skin color as shown here or may be more darkly pigmented

Afamelanotide skin pigmentation drug F007 / 0096
Afamelanotide skin pigmentation drug, molecular model. Afamelanotide is an analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH)

Afamelanotide skin pigmentation drug F007 / 0095
Afamelanotide skin pigmentation drug, molecular model. Afamelanotide is an analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH)

Skin section, SEM
Skin section. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through human skin. A hair (red) is protruding through the surface

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Melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in our skin, play a crucial role in determining our skin color. However they can not just responsible for giving us a beautiful complexion; they also have a dark side. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, originates from these very cells. When viewed under an electron microscope (SEM C016 / 4764), melanoma cells appear sinister and menacing and can be seen invading healthy tissues, causing large eroded plaques on the leg with areas of crust. The sight of melanoma on a patient's skin is alarming and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking beneath our epidermis. Intriguingly, scientists have managed to capture the three-dimensional structure of melanoma cells (3D structure of melanoma cell). This breakthrough has provided valuable insights into their behavior and potential vulnerabilities that could aid in developing effective treatments. Not all pigmented lesions are malignant though; some are benign dermal nevi that often elevate above the skin surface. These harmless growths serve as reminders that not every change in pigmentation should cause alarm. In recent years, researchers have been exploring innovative approaches to address various dermatological conditions related to pigmentation disorders. One such development is Afamelanotide (skin pigmentation drug F007 / 0096 & F007 / 0095), which holds promise for treating conditions like vitiligo or erythropoietic protoporphyria by stimulating natural pigment production. Microscopic examination further reveals the devastating effects of advanced stages of skin cancer (micrograph C015 / 7001 & C015 / 6050). These images highlight how imperative it is to detect and treat this disease early on when chances for successful intervention are higher. To better understand the intricate layers and structures within our largest organ -the skin- scientists employ scanning electron microscopy techniques (SEM) to examine detailed cross-sections (Skin section, SEM).