Modelling melanocyte and melanoma cancer cell dynamics in a 3D Human Skin Equivalent

Our skin contains special pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, which protect us from the sun’s UV radiation and give skin its color. Sometimes, melanocytes can accumulate mutations and transform into melanoma, one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer. In our lab, we are creating 3D human skin models, also called skin equivalents, which mimic the structure and function of real skin. These models are made by combining human skin cells in layers to reproduce the epidermis, dermis, and melanocyte niche in the laboratory. By introducing normal melanocytes or melanoma cells into these 3D skin models, we can: -Observe how melanocytes behave in their natural environment; -Investigate how melanoma cells grow, invade, and interact with surrounding skin cells; -Study early steps of melanoma initiation and progression in a controlled system, for example by exposure to UV. This approach allows us to study human skin biology and cancer development without relying solely on animal models, while providing a powerful tool to test hypotheses, visualize cell behavior, and identify potential therapeutic targets. Students involved in this project will be exposed to techniques such as 3D cell culture, tissue reconstruction, immunostaining, and molecular analysis of cell behavior, gaining experience in cutting-edge skin biology and cancer research.