The establishment of the melanocyte lineage during embryonic development is a very well controlled process at the cellular and molecular levels. The rate of proliferation, migration and differentiation among other fundamental cellular mechanisms are strictly regulated during time. High throughput molecular approaches brought and will continue to bring to light genes involved in large congenital melanocytic nevi (LCMN). One of the goals of Dr. Larue’s research group is to generate relevant physiological and cellular models for LCMN to understand their cause and to help discover treatments.

Institut Curie, Orsay, France