The Merkel Cell Structuredevelopmentfunctioncancerogenesis

How stem cells behave is very much a factor of their local microenvironment, also known as the stem cell niche. Physical, chemical, or electrical signals from the neighboring cells or biochemical signals from distant cells are crucial in the cell fate decision process. A major challenge of tissue engineering is to mimic the natural cell environment by designing very sophisticated scaffolds able not only to mechanically support cells, but also to release signals biologically relevant for governing stem cell fate. In addition, increasing evidence suggests that abnormal interaction of stem cells with their niche is responsible for altered cell function leading to malignant transformation.

The book presents the first comprehensive molecular theory of the living cell ever published since the cell doctrine was formulated in 1838-1839. It introduces into cell biology over thirty key concepts, principles and laws imported from physics, chemistry, computer science, linguistics, semiotics and philosophy. The author formulates physically, chemically and enzymologically realistic molecular mechanisms to account for basic living processes such as ligand-receptor interactions, enzymic catalysis, force-generating mechanisms in molecular motors, chromatin remodelling, and signal transduction. Possible solutions to basic and practical problems facing contemporary biology and biomedical sciences have been suggested, including pharmacotherapeutics and personalized medicine.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma is one of the first comprehensive, single-source clinical texts on the subject. Although not as common as melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma is not rare - and it is both more deadly than melanoma and increasing at an epidemic rate.

This book provides a detailed overview of the activity and efficacy of new treatments and promising perspectives in the field of cutaneous malignancies. The first part of the book covers the basic molecular and immunological mechanisms. It then goes on to cover specific strategies in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers that, starting from the basic mechanisms, translate this information into clinical routine or translational research.