Modified epidermal cells located in the stratum basale. They are found mostly in areas where sensory perception is acute, such as the fingertips. Merkel cells are closely associated with an expanded terminal bulb of an afferent myelinated nerve fiber. Do not confuse with Merkel's corpuscle which is a combination of a neuron and an epidermal cell.
A carcinoma arising from MERKEL CELLS located in the basal layer of the epidermis and occurring most commonly as a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Merkel cells are tactile cells of neuroectodermal origin and histologically show neurosecretory granules. The skin of the head and neck are a common site of Merkel cell carcinoma, occurring generally in elderly patients. (Holland et al., Cancer Medicine, 3d ed, p1245)
A species of POLYOMAVIRUS suspected to be the cause of most cases of MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA, a rare but highly lethal form of skin cancer.
Infections with POLYOMAVIRUS, which are often cultured from the urine of kidney transplant patients. Excretion of BK VIRUS is associated with ureteral strictures and CYSTITIS, and that of JC VIRUS with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY, PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL).
Tumors or cancer of the SKIN.
A genus of potentially oncogenic viruses of the family POLYOMAVIRIDAE. These viruses are normally present in their natural hosts as latent infections. The virus is oncogenic in hosts different from the species of origin.
A type I keratin expressed predominately in gastrointestinal epithelia, MERKEL CELLS, and the TASTE BUDS of the oral mucosa.
Infections produced by oncogenic viruses. The infections caused by DNA viruses are less numerous but more diverse than those caused by the RNA oncogenic viruses.
Those proteins recognized by antibodies from serum of animals bearing tumors induced by viruses; these proteins are presumably coded for by the nucleic acids of the same viruses that caused the neoplastic transformation.
Stiff hairs projecting from the face around the nose of most mammals, acting as touch receptors.
Cells specialized to transduce mechanical stimuli and relay that information centrally in the nervous system. Mechanoreceptor cells include the INNER EAR hair cells, which mediate hearing and balance, and the various somatosensory receptors, often with non-neural accessory structures.
MUCOUS MEMBRANE extending from floor of mouth to the under-surface of the tongue.
The outer covering of the body that protects it from the environment. It is composed of the DERMIS and the EPIDERMIS.
Facial neoplasms are abnormal growths or tumors that develop in the facial region, which can be benign or malignant, originating from various cell types including epithelial, glandular, connective tissue, and neural crest cells.
A non-template-directed DNA polymerase normally found in vertebrate thymus and bone marrow. It catalyzes the elongation of oligo- or polydeoxynucleotide chains and is widely used as a tool in the differential diagnosis of acute leukemias in man. EC 2.7.7.31.
Polyomavirus antigens which cause infection and cellular transformation. The large T antigen is necessary for the initiation of viral DNA synthesis, repression of transcription of the early region and is responsible in conjunction with the middle T antigen for the transformation of primary cells. Small T antigen is necessary for the completion of the productive infection cycle.
An acridine derivative formerly widely used as an antimalarial but superseded by chloroquine in recent years. It has also been used as an anthelmintic and in the treatment of giardiasis and malignant effusions. It is used in cell biological experiments as an inhibitor of phospholipase A2.
A general term collectively applied to tumors associated with the APUD CELLS series, irrespective of their specific identification.
One of the endogenous pentapeptides with morphine-like activity. It differs from LEU-ENKEPHALIN by the amino acid METHIONINE in position 5. Its first four amino acid sequence is identical to the tetrapeptide sequence at the N-terminal of BETA-ENDORPHIN.
Deoxyribonucleic acid that makes up the genetic material of viruses.
A type II keratin found associated with KERATIN-18 in simple, or predominately single layered, internal epithelia.
Branch-like terminations of NERVE FIBERS, sensory or motor NEURONS. Endings of sensory neurons are the beginnings of afferent pathway to the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. Endings of motor neurons are the terminals of axons at the muscle cells. Nerve endings which release neurotransmitters are called PRESYNAPTIC TERMINALS.
An acidic protein found in the NEUROENDOCRINE SYSTEM that functions as a molecular chaperone for PROPROTEIN CONVERTASE 2.
The fraction of a blood sample, following CENTRIFUGATION, that is distinguished as a thin light-colored layer between the RED BLOOD CELLS, underneath it, and the PLASMA, above it. It is composed mostly of WHITE BLOOD CELLS and PLATELETS.
A MARVEL domain-containing protein found in the presynaptic vesicles of NEURONS and NEUROENDOCRINE CELLS. It is commonly used as an immunocytochemical marker for neuroendocrine differentiation.
Histochemical localization of immunoreactive substances using labeled antibodies as reagents.
A form of highly malignant lung cancer that is composed of small ovoid cells (SMALL CELL CARCINOMA).
The part of the face that is below the eye and to the side of the nose and mouth.
A tube-like invagination of the EPIDERMIS from which the hair shaft develops and into which SEBACEOUS GLANDS open. The hair follicle is lined by a cellular inner and outer root sheath of epidermal origin and is invested with a fibrous sheath derived from the dermis. (Stedman, 26th ed) Follicles of very long hairs extend into the subcutaneous layer of tissue under the SKIN.
The external, nonvascular layer of the skin. It is made up, from within outward, of five layers of EPITHELIUM: (1) basal layer (stratum basale epidermidis); (2) spinous layer (stratum spinosum epidermidis); (3) granular layer (stratum granulosum epidermidis); (4) clear layer (stratum lucidum epidermidis); and (5) horny layer (stratum corneum epidermidis).
Tumors or cancer of the LIP.
Sensation of making physical contact with objects, animate or inanimate. Tactile stimuli are detected by MECHANORECEPTORS in the skin and mucous membranes.
The specificity of a virus for infecting a particular type of cell or tissue.

Possible role of serotonin in Merkel-like basal cells of the taste buds of the frog, Rana nigromaculata. (1/71)

Merkel-like basal cells in the taste buds of the frog were examined by fluorescence histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. There were about 16-20 basal cells arranged in a radial fashion at the base of each taste bud. These cells were strongly immunopositive for serotonin antiserum. They were characterised by the presence of numerous dense-cored granules in the cytoplasm ranging from 80 to 120 nm in diameter, and of microvilli protruding from the cell surface. For 4 mo after sensory denervation by cutting the gustatory nerves, all cell types of the taste bud were well preserved and maintained their fine structure. Even at 4 mo after denervation, the basal cells exhibited a strong immunoreaction with serotonin antiserum. To investigate the function of serotonin in the basal cells in taste bud function, serotonin deficiency was induced by administration of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), an inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase, and of p-chloroamphetamine (PCA), a depletor of serotonin. After administration of these agents to normal and denervated frogs for 2 wk, a marked decrease, or complete absence, of immunoreactivity for serotonin was observed in the basal cells. Ultrastructurally, degenerative changes were observed in both types of frog; numerous lysosome-like myelin bodies were found in all cell types of the taste buds. The number of dense-cored granules in the basal cells also was greatly decreased by treatment with these drugs. Serotonin in Merkel-like basal cells appears to have a trophic role in maintenance of the morphological integrity of frog taste bud cells.  (+info)

The existence of Merkel cells in the lingual connective tissue of the Surinam caiman, Caiman crocodilus crocodilus (order Crocodilia). (2/71)

The tongue of the Surinam caiman (a reptilian species) was studied by light microscopy including immunohistochemistry for protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), and transmission electron microscopy. The connective tissue immediately under taste buds housed a cluster of cells immunoreactive for PGP 9.5. These cells synapsed on nerves, and their cytoplasm contained characteristic granules of 90 nm in the mean diameter, glycogen particles, and bundles of intermediate filaments. In light of these ultrastructural features, they were identified as Merkel cells. The Merkel cells were also surrounded by Schwann cells. These findings indicate that the present Merkel cell-neurite-Schwann cell complex is comparable to the avian Merkel corpuscle. On the basis of the granule localization in the cytoplasm, the caiman Merkel cell was presumed to be involved in not only mechanoreception but also endocrine or paracrine functions.  (+info)

Overexpression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor enhances sensory innervation and selectively increases neuron number. (3/71)

Target-derived neurotrophin growth factors have significant effects on the development and maintenance of the mammalian somatosensory system. Studies of transgenic mice that overexpress neurotrophins NGF and neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) at high levels in skin have shown increased sensory neuron number and enhanced innervation of specific sensory ending types. The effects of two other members of this family, BDNF and NT-4, on sensory neuron development are less clear. This study examined the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) using transgenic mice that overexpress BDNF in epithelial target tissues of sensory neurons. BDNF transgenic mice had an increase in peripheral innervation density and showed selective effects on neuron survival. Neuron number in trigeminal ganglia, DRG, and SCG were unchanged, although a 38% increase in neurons comprising the placode-derived nodose-petrosal complex occurred. BDNF transgenic skin showed notable enhancement of innervation to hair follicles as detected by PGP9.5 immunolabeling. In nonhairy plantar skin, Meissner corpuscle sensory endings were larger, and the number of Merkel cells with associated innervation was increased. In trigeminal ganglia, neurons expressing trkB receptor were increased threefold, whereas trkA-positive neurons doubled. Analysis of trkB by Northern, reverse transcription-PCR, and Western assays indicated a modest increase in the expression of the T1 truncated receptor and preferential distribution to the periphery. These data indicate that skin-derived BDNF does not enhance survival of cutaneous sensory neurons, although it does promote neurite innervation of specific sites and sensory end organs of the skin.  (+info)

Loss of distal axons and sensory Merkel cells and features indicative of muscle denervation in hindlimbs of P0-deficient mice. (4/71)

Mice lacking the major Schwann cell myelin component P0 show a severe dysmyelination with pathological features reminiscent of the Dejerine-Sottas syndrome in humans. Previous morphological and electrophysiological studies on these mice did not only demonstrate a compromised myelination and myelin maintenance, but were suggestive of an impairment of axons as well. Here, we studied the axonal pathology in P0-deficient mice by quantitative electron microscopy. In addition, we investigated epidermal receptor end organs by immunocytochemistry and muscle pathology by histochemistry. In proximal sections of facial and femoral nerves, axon calibers were significantly reduced, whereas the number of myelin-competent axons was not diminished in 5- and 17-month-old P0-deficient mice. However, in distal branches of the femoral and sciatic nerve (digital nerves innervating the skin of the first toe) the numbers of myelin-competent axons were reduced by 70% in 6-month-old P0-deficient mice. Immunolabeling of foot pads revealed a corresponding loss of Merkel cells by 75%, suggesting that survival of these cells is dependent on the presence or maintenance of their innervating myelinated axons. In addition, quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles showed pathological features indicative of denervation and axonal sprouting. These findings demonstrate that loss of an important myelin component can initiate degenerative mechanisms not only in the Schwann cell but also in the distal portions of myelinated axons, leading to the degeneration of specialized receptor end organs and impairment of muscle innervation.  (+info)

Vanilloid receptor-related osmotically activated channel (VR-OAC), a candidate vertebrate osmoreceptor. (5/71)

The detection of osmotic stimuli is essential for all organisms, yet few osmoreceptive proteins are known, none of them in vertebrates. By employing a candidate-gene approach based on genes encoding members of the TRP superfamily of ion channels, we cloned cDNAs encoding the vanilloid receptor-related osmotically activated channel (VR-OAC) from the rat, mouse, human, and chicken. This novel cation-selective channel is gated by exposure to hypotonicity within the physiological range. In the central nervous system, the channel is expressed in neurons of the circumventricular organs, neurosensory cells responsive to systemic osmotic pressure. The channel also occurs in other neurosensory cells, including inner-ear hair cells, sensory neurons, and Merkel cells.  (+info)

The nerve-dependency of Merkel cell proliferation in cultured human fetal glabrous skin. (6/71)

Merkel cells are thought to function as slowly adapting mechanoreceptors and are known as targets for sensory nerves. However, the nerve-dependency of Merkel cells remains controversial. In this respect, some investigators have found interregional differences between hairy and glabrous skin and others have shown intraregional differences within denervated rat touch domes. Differences between species have also been reported. This study was performed to determine whether Merkel cells proliferate in vitro in the absence of the systemic factors, blood vessels and the intact nerves in human skin. Suspension organ culture was performed using fetal digits to investigate their in vitro proliferation. Merkel cells and cutaneous nerves were identified using antibodies to cytokeratin 20 and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), respectively. Fetal digits of 56-82 day gestational age were cultured in serum free medium in a high O2 (45%) environment. Tissues were harvested before starting culture (D0) and 1, 4, 7, 14, 28 d after culture. Merkel cells were observed in the volar pads and dorsal nail matrices at D0. After 28 d of suspension organ culture, digits looked healthy structurally and the number of Merkel cells had increased. However, PGP 9.5-immunoreactive nerves were markedly diminished after 1 day of culture and almost disappeared after 4 days. Merkel cell proliferation in vitro suggested that Merkel cell development is probably nerve-independent in human fetal glabrous skin.  (+info)

Diverse dependencies of developing Merkel innervation on the trkA and both full-length and truncated isoforms of trkC. (7/71)

This study demonstrates that innervation dependent on two different neurotrophin tyrosine kinase (trk) receptors can form the same types of sensory endings (Merkel endings) in the same target (Merkel cells of vibrissa follicles). Some endings transiently express trkA during their initial development, whereas others express trkC throughout their development. Consequently, elimination of kinase domains of either trkA or trkC each result in a partial loss of Merkel endings, whereas absence of kinase domains of both receptors results in a total loss. At the onset of Merkel ending development, at least one kinase-lacking trkC isoform is transiently expressed on all the follicle cells, while neurotrophin 3 is transiently expressed only in the cells at the middle third of the follicle where the Merkel endings and cells develop. This transient non-neuronal expression of truncated trkC is essential for development of any Merkel endings, whereas some Merkel endings and cells still begin to develop in the absence of neurotrophin 3. Therefore, truncated trkC plays a more important role in the development of this innervation than kinase forms of trkA or trkC or of NT3, the only known ligand for trkC receptors.  (+info)

Normal human Merkel cells are present in epidermal cell populations isolated and cultured from glabrous and hairy skin sites. (8/71)

The Merkel cell is a highly specialized cell that primarily acts as a slowly adapting mechanoreceptor. Merkel cells are scarce in normal skin but can be identified by the expression of distinct keratin filaments. Merkel cells constitute a very unique population and many questions still remain as to their origin, number, proliferative capacity, and functions in cutaneous biology. The dissociation of epidermal cells from skin is a widely used technique to extract and culture keratinocytes. We took advantage of a two-step extraction method to quantify keratin-20-expressing Merkel cells among total cutaneous cells obtained from either hairy or glabrous skin biopsies. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that keratin-20-labeled Merkel cells represent between 3.6% and 5.7% of freshly dissociated basal epidermal cells. No significant differences were seen between samples derived from glabrous palmar and hairy anatomic sites, from children and adult, respectively. We also report on the presence of Merkel cells in primary and first subcultures of epidermal cells indicating their capacity to remain viable after extraction from skin of various anatomic sites. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of nontumorigenic human Merkel cells in culture in vitro. The persistence of a small number of Merkel cells in culture suggests that, with the development of appropriate culture conditions, these cells could be amplified and further studied to unravel long-standing questions relative to their paracrine function or epithelial origin.  (+info)

Merkel cells, also known as Merkel-Ranvier cells or tactile epithelial cells, are specialized sensory neuroendocrine cells found in the basal layer of the epidermis, hair follicles, and mucous membranes. They are mechanoreceptors that play a crucial role in touch sensation and the initiation of the sense of touch or tactile perception. Merkel cells have neurosecretory granules and are connected to afferent nerve fibers through synaptic junctions known as Merkel discs or tactile disks. They are most abundant in areas with high tactile sensitivity, such as the fingertips, lips, and oral mucosa.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer that originates from the uncontrolled growth of Merkel cells, which are specialized nerve cells found in the top layer of the skin (epidermis). These cells are responsible for touch sensation. MCC typically presents as a painless, firm, rapidly growing nodule or mass, often on sun-exposed areas such as the head, neck, and arms of older adults.

The primary risk factors for Merkel cell carcinoma include:

1. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds
2. Advanced age (most commonly occurs in people over 50)
3. A weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, or long-term use of immunosuppressive medications
4. History of other types of skin cancer, such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma
5. Fair skin and light eye color

MCC is considered an aggressive cancer because it can spread quickly to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body (metastasize). The major prognostic factor for MCC is the presence or absence of lymph node involvement at the time of diagnosis. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.

Standard treatments for Merkel cell carcinoma include surgical excision, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy with drugs like avelumab has also shown promising results in treating advanced stages of MCC. Regular follow-up care is essential to monitor for recurrence or metastasis.

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a type of virus from the Polyomaviridae family that is known to be associated with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. The virus was first identified in 2008 and is believed to play a role in the development of most cases of this cancer.

MCPyV is a small, double-stranded DNA virus that is typically acquired during childhood and remains dormant in the body. However, in some individuals, the virus can become reactivated and integrate into the host's cellular DNA, leading to the production of viral oncoproteins that can disrupt normal cell growth and division. This disruption can ultimately result in the formation of Merkel cell carcinoma.

It is important to note that while MCPyV infection is necessary for the development of Merkel cell carcinoma, it is not sufficient on its own. Other factors, such as UV radiation exposure, age, and a weakened immune system, are also believed to contribute to the development of this cancer.

Polyomavirus infections refer to the infectious diseases caused by polyomaviruses, a type of small, non-enveloped DNA viruses that are capable of infecting humans and animals. There are several different types of polyomaviruses that can cause infection, including JC virus (JCV), BK virus (BKV), KI virus (KIV), WU virus (WUV), and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV).

Infection with these viruses typically occurs during childhood and is usually asymptomatic or associated with mild respiratory illness. However, in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients, polyomavirus infections can lead to more serious complications, including nephropathy (BKV), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (JCV), and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCPyV).

Diagnosis of polyomavirus infections typically involves the detection of viral DNA or antigens in clinical samples, such as blood, urine, or tissue biopsies. Treatment is generally supportive and aimed at managing symptoms, although antiviral therapy may be used in some cases. Prevention strategies include good hygiene practices and avoiding close contact with individuals who are known to be infected.

Skin neoplasms refer to abnormal growths or tumors in the skin that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They result from uncontrolled multiplication of skin cells, which can form various types of lesions. These growths may appear as lumps, bumps, sores, patches, or discolored areas on the skin.

Benign skin neoplasms include conditions such as moles, warts, and seborrheic keratoses, while malignant skin neoplasms are primarily classified into melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. These three types of cancerous skin growths are collectively known as non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Melanoma is the most aggressive and dangerous form of skin cancer, while NMSCs tend to be less invasive but more common.

It's essential to monitor any changes in existing skin lesions or the appearance of new growths and consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment if needed.

Polyomavirus is a type of double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the family Polyomaviridae. These viruses are small, non-enveloped viruses with an icosahedral symmetry. They have a relatively simple structure and contain a circular genome.

Polyomaviruses are known to infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, animals, and birds. In humans, polyomaviruses can cause asymptomatic infections or lead to the development of various diseases, depending on the age and immune status of the host.

There are several types of human polyomaviruses, including:

* JC virus (JCV) and BK virus (BKV), which can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients. JCV is associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but often fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, while BKV can cause nephropathy and hemorrhagic cystitis.
* Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), which is associated with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer.
* Trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSV), which is associated with trichodysplasia spinulosa, a rare skin disorder that affects immunocompromised individuals.

Polyomaviruses are typically transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Once inside the host, they can establish latency in various tissues and organs, where they may remain dormant for long periods of time before reactivating under certain conditions, such as immunosuppression.

Prevention measures include good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. There are currently no vaccines available to prevent polyomavirus infections, although research is ongoing to develop effective vaccines against some of the more pathogenic human polyomaviruses.

Keratin 20 is a type of keratin protein that is specifically expressed in the differentiated cells of the upper layer of the epidermis, particularly in the small intestine and colon. It is often used as a marker for the identification and study of these cell types. Mutations in the gene that encodes keratin 20 have been associated with certain diseases, such as benign and malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.

A tumor virus infection is a condition in which a person's cells become cancerous or transformed due to the integration and disruption of normal cellular functions by a viral pathogen. These viruses are also known as oncoviruses, and they can cause tumors or cancer by altering the host cell's genetic material, promoting uncontrolled cell growth and division, evading immune surveillance, and inhibiting apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Examples of tumor viruses include:

1. DNA tumor viruses: These are double-stranded DNA viruses that can cause cancer in humans. Examples include human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV).
2. RNA tumor viruses: Also known as retroviruses, these single-stranded RNA viruses can cause cancer in humans. Examples include human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Tumor virus infections are responsible for approximately 15-20% of all cancer cases worldwide, making them a significant public health concern. Prevention strategies, such as vaccination against HPV and HBV, have been shown to reduce the incidence of associated cancers.

Antigens are substances that trigger an immune response in the body, leading to the production of antibodies. Antigens can be proteins, polysaccharides, or other molecules found on the surface of cells or viruses.

Viral antigens are antigens that are present on the surface of viruses. When a virus infects a cell, it may display viral antigens on the surface of the infected cell. This can alert the immune system to the presence of the virus and trigger an immune response.

Tumor antigens are antigens that are present on the surface of cancer cells. These antigens may be unique to the cancer cells, or they may be similar to antigens found on normal cells. Tumor antigens can be recognized by the immune system as foreign, leading to an immune response against the cancer cells.

It is important to note that not all viral infections lead to cancer, and not all tumors are caused by viruses. However, some viruses have been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with an increased risk of cervical, anal, and oral cancers. In these cases, the virus may introduce viral antigens into the cells it infects, leading to an altered presentation of tumor antigens on the surface of the infected cells. This can potentially trigger an immune response against both the viral antigens and the tumor antigens, which may help to prevent or slow the growth of the cancer.

Vibrissae are stiff, tactile hairs that are highly sensitive to touch and movement. They are primarily found in various mammals, including humans (in the form of eyelashes and eyebrows), but they are especially prominent in certain animals such as cats, rats, and seals. These hairs are deeply embedded in skin and have a rich supply of nerve endings that provide the animal with detailed information about its environment. They are often used for detecting nearby objects, navigating in the dark, and maintaining balance.

Mechanoreceptors are specialized sensory receptor cells that convert mechanical stimuli such as pressure, tension, or deformation into electrical signals that can be processed and interpreted by the nervous system. They are found in various tissues throughout the body, including the skin, muscles, tendons, joints, and internal organs. Mechanoreceptors can detect different types of mechanical stimuli depending on their specific structure and location. For example, Pacinian corpuscles in the skin respond to vibrations, while Ruffini endings in the joints detect changes in joint angle and pressure. Overall, mechanoreceptors play a crucial role in our ability to perceive and interact with our environment through touch, proprioception (the sense of the position and movement of body parts), and visceral sensation (awareness of internal organ activity).

The lingual frenum is a small fold of mucous membrane that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It contains muscle fibers and can vary in length, thickness, and attachment level. In some individuals, the lingual frenum may be too short or tight, restricting tongue movement, which is known as being "tongue-tied" or having ankyloglossia. This condition can potentially impact speech, feeding, and oral hygiene, although in many cases, it does not cause any significant problems.

In medical terms, the skin is the largest organ of the human body. It consists of two main layers: the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (inner layer), as well as accessory structures like hair follicles, sweat glands, and oil glands. The skin plays a crucial role in protecting us from external factors such as bacteria, viruses, and environmental hazards, while also regulating body temperature and enabling the sense of touch.

Facial neoplasms refer to abnormal growths or tumors that develop in the tissues of the face. These growths can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Facial neoplasms can occur in any of the facial structures, including the skin, muscles, bones, nerves, and glands.

Benign facial neoplasms are typically slow-growing and do not spread to other parts of the body. Examples include papillomas, hemangiomas, and neurofibromas. While these tumors are usually harmless, they can cause cosmetic concerns or interfere with normal facial function.

Malignant facial neoplasms, on the other hand, can be aggressive and invasive. They can spread to other parts of the face, as well as to distant sites in the body. Common types of malignant facial neoplasms include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Treatment for facial neoplasms depends on several factors, including the type, size, location, and stage of the tumor. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. It is important to seek medical attention promptly if you notice any unusual growths or changes in the skin or tissues of your face.

DNA nucleotidylexotransferase is not a widely recognized or established medical term. It appears to be a combination of the terms "DNA," "nucleotide," and "lexotransferase," but the specific meaning or function of this enzyme is unclear.

"DNA" refers to deoxyribonucleic acid, which is the genetic material found in the cells of most living organisms.

"Nucleotide" refers to a molecule that consists of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and one or more phosphate groups. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA.

"Lexotransferase" is not a recognized enzyme class or function. It may be a typographical error or a term that has been misused or misunderstood.

Therefore, it is not possible to provide a medical definition for 'DNA nucleotidylexotransferase'. If you have more information about the context in which this term was used, I may be able to provide further clarification.

Polyomavirus transforming antigens refer to specific proteins expressed by polyomaviruses that can induce cellular transformation and lead to the development of cancer. These antigens are called large T antigen (T-Ag) and small t antigen (t-Ag). They manipulate key cellular processes, such as cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and malignant transformation.

The large T antigen is a multifunctional protein that plays a crucial role in viral replication and transformation. It has several domains with different functions:

1. Origin binding domain (OBD): Binds to the viral origin of replication, initiating DNA synthesis.
2. Helicase domain: Unwinds double-stranded DNA during replication.
3. DNA binding domain: Binds to specific DNA sequences and acts as a transcriptional regulator.
4. Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) binding domain: Recruits PP1 to promote viral DNA replication and inhibit host cell defense mechanisms.
5. p53-binding domain: Binds and inactivates the tumor suppressor protein p53, promoting cell cycle progression and preventing apoptosis.
6. Rb-binding domain: Binds to and inactivates the retinoblastoma protein (pRb), leading to deregulation of the cell cycle and uncontrolled cell growth.

The small t antigen shares a common N-terminal region with large T antigen but lacks some functional domains, such as the OBD and helicase domain. Small t antigen can also bind to and inactivate PP1 and pRb, contributing to transformation. However, its primary role is to stabilize large T antigen by preventing its proteasomal degradation.

Polyomavirus transforming antigens are associated with various human cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma (caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus) and some forms of brain tumors, sarcomas, and lymphomas (associated with simian virus 40).

Quinacrine is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs called antimalarials. It is primarily used in the treatment and prevention of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax parasites. Quinacrine works by inhibiting the growth of the malarial parasites in the red blood cells.

In addition to its antimalarial properties, quinacrine has been used off-label for various other medical conditions, including the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), a type of skin lupus. However, its use in these conditions is not approved by regulatory authorities such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to limited evidence and potential side effects.

Quinacrine has several known side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances, skin rashes, headache, dizziness, and potential neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression, anxiety, or confusion. Long-term use of quinacrine may also lead to yellowing of the skin and eyes (known as quinacrine jaundice) and other eye-related issues. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting quinacrine or any other medication for appropriate dosage, duration, and potential side effects.

An "apudoma" is a term that refers to a type of neuroendocrine tumor that originates from cells known as "APUD (Amine Precursor Uptake and Decarboxylation) cells." These cells are capable of taking up and decarboxylating amine precursors, which are substances that can be converted into neurotransmitters or hormones.

Apudomas can occur in various organs throughout the body, including the pancreas, lung, thyroid, and gastrointestinal tract. Some examples of apudomas include:

* Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) or islet cell tumors
* Small cell lung cancer
* Medullary thyroid carcinoma
* Merkel cell carcinoma
* Carcinoid tumors

These tumors can produce and secrete a variety of hormones and neurotransmitters, leading to a range of clinical symptoms. Treatment options for apudomas may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies that are designed to specifically target the abnormal cells.

Enkephalins are naturally occurring opioid peptides in the body that bind to opiate receptors and help reduce pain and produce a sense of well-being. There are two major types of enkephalins: Leu-enkephalin and Met-enkephalin, which differ by only one amino acid at the N-terminus.

Methionine-enkephalin (Met-enkephalin) is a type of enkephalin that contains methionine as its N-terminal amino acid. Its chemical formula is Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met, and it is derived from the precursor protein proenkephalin. Met-enkephalin has a shorter half-life than Leu-enkephalin due to its susceptibility to enzymatic degradation by aminopeptidases.

Met-enkephalin plays an essential role in pain modulation, reward processing, and addiction. It is also involved in various physiological functions, including respiration, cardiovascular regulation, and gastrointestinal motility. Dysregulation of enkephalins has been implicated in several pathological conditions, such as chronic pain, drug addiction, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Viral DNA refers to the genetic material present in viruses that consist of DNA as their core component. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is one of the two types of nucleic acids that are responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information in living organisms. Viruses are infectious agents much smaller than bacteria that can only replicate inside the cells of other organisms, called hosts.

Viral DNA can be double-stranded (dsDNA) or single-stranded (ssDNA), depending on the type of virus. Double-stranded DNA viruses have a genome made up of two complementary strands of DNA, while single-stranded DNA viruses contain only one strand of DNA.

Examples of dsDNA viruses include Adenoviruses, Herpesviruses, and Poxviruses, while ssDNA viruses include Parvoviruses and Circoviruses. Viral DNA plays a crucial role in the replication cycle of the virus, encoding for various proteins necessary for its multiplication and survival within the host cell.

Keratin-8 is a type of keratin protein that is primarily found in the epithelial cells, including those that line the surfaces of organs and glands. It is one of the major components of intermediate filaments, which are the structural proteins that help to maintain the shape and integrity of cells.

Keratin-8 is known to form heteropolymers with keratin-18 and is abundant in simple epithelia such as those lining the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and reproductive organs. It has been implicated in various cellular processes, including protection against mechanical stress, regulation of cell signaling, and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Mutations in the gene that encodes keratin-8 have been associated with several diseases, including a rare form of liver disease called cryptogenic cirrhosis. Additionally, abnormalities in keratin-8 expression and assembly have been linked to cancer progression and metastasis.

Nerve endings, also known as terminal branches or sensory receptors, are the specialized structures present at the termination point of nerve fibers (axons) that transmit electrical signals to and from the central nervous system (CNS). They primarily function in detecting changes in the external environment or internal body conditions and converting them into electrical impulses.

There are several types of nerve endings, including:

1. Free Nerve Endings: These are unencapsulated nerve endings that respond to various stimuli like temperature, pain, and touch. They are widely distributed throughout the body, especially in the skin, mucous membranes, and visceral organs.

2. Encapsulated Nerve Endings: These are wrapped by specialized connective tissue sheaths, which can modify their sensitivity to specific stimuli. Examples include Pacinian corpuscles (responsible for detecting deep pressure and vibration), Meissner's corpuscles (for light touch), Ruffini endings (for stretch and pressure), and Merkel cells (for sustained touch).

3. Specialised Nerve Endings: These are nerve endings that respond to specific stimuli, such as auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, and vestibular information. They include hair cells in the inner ear, photoreceptors in the retina, taste buds in the tongue, and olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity.

Nerve endings play a crucial role in relaying sensory information to the CNS for processing and initiating appropriate responses, such as reflex actions or conscious perception of the environment.

Neuroendocrine Secretory Protein 7B2 (NESP7B2) is defined as a protein that is encoded by the 7B2 gene in humans. This protein is primarily produced in neuroendocrine cells, including those found in the brain and the endocrine system. NESP7B2 has a molecular weight of approximately 29 kDa and is composed of 256 amino acids.

One of the primary functions of NESP7B2 is to regulate the activity of another protein called prohormone convertase 2 (PC2). PC2 is involved in the processing and activation of various hormones and neurotransmitters, and NESP7B2 helps to control its activity by binding to it and inhibiting its action.

NESP7B2 has also been found to have a role in the regulation of calcium homeostasis and may be involved in the development and function of the nervous system. Mutations in the 7B2 gene have been associated with certain medical conditions, including some forms of cancer and neurological disorders.

The term "blood buffy coat" is not a standard medical terminology, but it is used in the field of laboratory medicine and hematology. The "buffy coat" refers to the thin layer of white blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets (thrombocytes) that can be seen when a sample of anticoagulated whole blood is centrifuged, causing the red blood cells (erythrocytes) to settle at the bottom and the plasma to form a layer on top. The buffy coat is located in between these two layers.

The term "blood buffy coat" may refer to the process of collecting this thin layer of white blood cells and platelets for further analysis, such as during a complete blood count (CBC) or other diagnostic tests. It can also refer to a sample that has been prepared in this way, where the buffy coat is concentrated and visible for examination under a microscope.

Abnormalities in the appearance or composition of the buffy coat may indicate various medical conditions, such as leukemia, infection, inflammation, or other hematological disorders.

Synaptophysin is a protein found in the presynaptic vesicles of neurons, which are involved in the release of neurotransmitters during synaptic transmission. It is often used as a marker for neuronal differentiation and is widely expressed in neuroendocrine cells and tumors. Synaptophysin plays a role in the regulation of neurotransmitter release and has been implicated in various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and synaptic dysfunction-related conditions.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a technique used in pathology and laboratory medicine to identify specific proteins or antigens in tissue sections. It combines the principles of immunology and histology to detect the presence and location of these target molecules within cells and tissues. This technique utilizes antibodies that are specific to the protein or antigen of interest, which are then tagged with a detection system such as a chromogen or fluorophore. The stained tissue sections can be examined under a microscope, allowing for the visualization and analysis of the distribution and expression patterns of the target molecule in the context of the tissue architecture. Immunohistochemistry is widely used in diagnostic pathology to help identify various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, and immune-mediated disorders.

Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (SCLC) is a type of lung cancer that typically originates in the central part of the lungs. It is called "small cell" because the tumor cells appear small and round under a microscope. SCLC is an aggressive form of lung cancer that tends to spread rapidly to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, liver, bones, and brain.

SCLC is strongly associated with smoking and is relatively uncommon in people who have never smoked. It accounts for about 10-15% of all lung cancer cases. SCLC is often diagnosed at a later stage because it can grow quickly and cause symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and weight loss.

Treatment for SCLC typically involves a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery is not usually an option due to the advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis. The prognosis for SCLC is generally poor, with a five-year survival rate of less than 7%. However, early detection and treatment can improve outcomes in some cases.

A "cheek" is the fleshy, muscular area of the face that forms the side of the face below the eye and above the jaw. It contains the buccinator muscle, which helps with chewing by moving food to the back teeth for grinding and also assists in speaking and forming facial expressions. The cheek also contains several sensory receptors that allow us to perceive touch, temperature, and pain in this area of the face. Additionally, there is a mucous membrane lining inside the mouth cavity called the buccal mucosa which covers the inner surface of the cheek.

A hair follicle is a part of the human skin from which hair grows. It is a complex organ that consists of several layers, including an outer root sheath, inner root sheath, and matrix. The hair follicle is located in the dermis, the second layer of the skin, and is surrounded by sebaceous glands and erector pili muscles.

The hair growth cycle includes three phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). During the anagen phase, cells in the matrix divide rapidly to produce new hair fibers that grow out of the follicle. The hair fiber is made up of a protein called keratin, which also makes up the outer layers of the skin and nails.

Hair follicles are important for various biological functions, including thermoregulation, sensory perception, and social communication. They also play a role in wound healing and can serve as a source of stem cells that can differentiate into other cell types.

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, composed mainly of stratified squamous epithelium. It forms a protective barrier that prevents water loss and inhibits the entry of microorganisms. The epidermis contains no blood vessels, and its cells are nourished by diffusion from the underlying dermis. The bottom-most layer of the epidermis, called the stratum basale, is responsible for generating new skin cells that eventually move up to replace dead cells on the surface. This process of cell turnover takes about 28 days in adults.

The most superficial part of the epidermis consists of dead cells called squames, which are constantly shed and replaced. The exact rate at which this happens varies depending on location; for example, it's faster on the palms and soles than elsewhere. Melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, are also located in the epidermis, specifically within the stratum basale layer.

In summary, the epidermis is a vital part of our integumentary system, providing not only physical protection but also playing a crucial role in immunity and sensory perception through touch receptors called Pacinian corpuscles.

Lip neoplasms refer to abnormal growths or tumors that occur in the lip tissue. These growths can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign lip neoplasms include conditions such as papillomas, fibromas, and mucocele, while malignant lip neoplasms are typically squamous cell carcinomas.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lip is the most common type of lip cancer, accounting for about 90% of all lip cancers. It usually develops on the lower lip, and is often associated with prolonged sun exposure, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Symptoms may include a sore or lump on the lip that does not heal, bleeding, pain, numbness, or difficulty moving the lips.

It's important to note that any abnormal growth or change in the lips should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

I'm sorry for any confusion, but "touch" is not a term that has a specific medical definition in the context you've provided. In a general sense, touch refers to the ability to perceive things through physically contacting them, which is a function of our nervous system. However, it's not a term used to describe a specific medical condition, diagnosis, treatment, or procedure. If you have any more specific context or question in mind, I'd be happy to try and help further!

Viral tropism is the preference or susceptibility of certain cells, tissues, or organs for viral infection. It refers to the ability of a specific virus to infect and multiply in particular types of host cells, which is determined by the interaction between viral envelope proteins and specific receptors on the surface of the host cell. Understanding viral tropism is crucial in understanding the pathogenesis of viral infections and developing effective antiviral therapies and vaccines.

Merkel cells, also known as Merkel-Ranvier cells or tactile epithelial cells, are oval-shaped mechanoreceptors essential for ... Merkel nerve ending Merkel cell carcinoma List of keratins expressed in the human integumentary system List of human cell types ... Wikimedia Commons has media related to Merkel cell. Merkel Cells at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject ... The German anatomist Friedrich Sigmund Merkel referred to Merkel cells as Tastzellen or "touch cells". Until recently this ...
"Merkel cell polyomavirus-infected Merkel cell carcinoma cells require expression of viral T antigens". Journal of Virology. 84 ... of Merkel cell tumors were MCV positive; in another study, 45 of 53 (85%) Merkel cell tumors were positive. Sequencing of the ... Merkel cell carcinomas. MCV can also be found in healthy tissues from people without Merkel cell carcinoma. A complete MCV ... "Human Merkel cell polyomavirus infection I. MCV T antigen expression in Merkel cell carcinoma, lymphoid tissues and lymphoid ...
Merkel cells are highly specialized cells that act as pressure receptors in the epidermis. The origin of Merkel cells ... both specific to Merkel cells, are also expressed by MCC. However, Merkel cells are post-mitotic cells with a low probability ... Merkel-cell carcinomas have been described in children, however pediatric cases are very rare. Merkel-cell cancers tend to ... Media related to Merkel cell carcinoma at Wikimedia Commons National Cancer Institute "Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment" (CS1 ...
Merkel+cells at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) "Merkel cell" at Dorland's Medical ... of which Piezo2 is the Merkel cell's primary mechanosensor. The Merkel cell's somewhat rigid structure, and the fact that they ... Merkel disks can also respond to light touch. Merkel cells transduce tactile stimuli / mechanical forces into excitatory ... This is sometimes referred to as a Merkel cell-neurite complex, or a Merkel disc receptor. A single afferent nerve fibre ...
His work has also extended to serving on expert panels such as those dedicated to merkel cell cancer and guidelines of care. He ... "Merkel cell carcinoma". Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. 7 (3): 322-32. doi:10.6004/jnccn.2009.0024. PMID ... Alam, Murad; Ratner, Désirée (2001). "Cutaneous Squamous-Cell Carcinoma". New England Journal of Medicine. 344 (13): 975-83. ...
"Merkel cell tumors". National Cancer Institute. 21 February 2006. Archived from the original on 2011-06-07. "Pheochromocytoma ... together with nearby cells, are damaged by the attached radiation. Not all cells are immediately killed; cell death can go on ... small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung (LCNEC) Extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas ( ... The NCI has guidelines for several categories of NET: islet cell tumors of the pancreas, gastrointestinal carcinoids, Merkel ...
Halata, Z.; Baumann, K. I.; Grim, M. (2008-01-01). "6.02 - Merkel Cells". In Masland, Richard H.; Albright, Thomas D.; Albright ... each individual follicle is innervated by 100-200 primary afferent nerve cells. These cells serve an even larger number of ... Thus, an estimate for the total number of sensory nerve cells serving the mystacial vibrissal array on the face of a rat or ... so that the total number of nerve cells innervating the mystacial vibrissae of a seal has been estimated to be in excess of ...
They were subsequently given the eponym "Merkel cells" in 1878 by Robert Bonnet (1851-1921). Merkel was a native of Nürnberg. ... Who Named It Friedrich Sigmund Merkel - bibliography @ Who Named It Friedrich Sigmund Merkel @ Who Named It v t e (Articles ... Friedrich Sigmund Merkel (5 April 1845 - 28 May 1919) was a leading German anatomist and histopathologist of the late 19th ... Merkel FS. (1875). Tastzellen und Tastkörperchen bei den Hausthieren und beim Menschen. Archiv für mikroskopische Anatomie, 11 ...
Mitoses are uncommon when compared to basal cell carcinoma. Trichoepiteliomas often contain Merkel cells; an immunostain for ... Its appearance is similar to basal cell carcinoma. One form has been mapped to chromosome 9p21. Trichoepitheliomas may be ... ISBN 0-7216-2921-0. Stanoszek, Lauren M.; Wang, Grace Y.; Harms, Paul W. (2017-11-01). "Histologic Mimics of Basal Cell ... They lack the myxoid stroma and artefactual clefting seen in basal cell carcinoma. ...
Vazmitel M, Michal M, Kazakov DV (2007). "Merkel cell carcinoma and Azzopardi phenomenon". Am J Dermatopathol. 29 (3): 314-5. ... It can occur in small cell carcinomas and in some high-grade malignant neoplasms. The effect is well known in diagnostic ... Warnock ML, McCowin MJ in Practical Pathology of Chest Disease--Case Studies Azzopardi phenomenon in a metastatic small cell ... Azzopardi JG (1959). "Oat-cell carcinoma of the bronchus". J Pathol Bacteriol. 78 (2): 513-9. doi:10.1002/path.1700780218. PMID ...
Beylergil V, Perez JA, Osborne JR (2016). "Molecular Imaging of Merkel Cell Carcinoma". In Hamblin MR, Avci P, Gupta GK (eds ... With iodine-131 it can also be used to treat tumor cells that take up and metabolize norepinephrine. MIBG is absorbed by and ... is a radiolabeled analogue of guanethidine that enters the cells via the norepinephrine transporter and is either stored in the ... is transported to and stored in the distal storage granules of chromaffin cells in the same way as norepinephrine. "Iobenguane ...
"Merkel cell carcinoma and HIV infection." The Lancet 359, no. 9305 (2002): 497-498. "Morten Frisch". SSI. Retrieved 21 August ...
In Merkel cell polyomavirus, the effect of VP2 appears to vary depending on the cell type of the infected cell. In murine ... Some members of the polyomavirus family, such as Merkel cell polyomavirus, do not appear to encode or express VP3, though VP2 ... Schowalter RM, Buck CB (2013-08-22). "The Merkel cell polyomavirus minor capsid protein". PLOS Pathogens. 9 (8): e1003558. doi: ... VP2 and VP3 are thought to be involved in facilitating viral entry into the host cell, either by mediating associations with ...
Merkel cell carcinoma Lung cancer "VM618 Glossary". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2010-02-20. Cakir, E.; ... It is a feature of small cell carcinomas and particularly useful for differentiation of small cell and non-small cell ... "Cytopathologic differential diagnosis of small cell carcinoma and poorly differentiated non-small cell carcinoma in bronchial ... In histopathology, nuclear moulding, also nuclear molding, is conformity of adjacent cell nuclei to one another. ...
"Piezo2 is required for Merkel-cell mechanotransduction". Nature. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 509 (7502): 622-626. ... Cell. Elsevier BV. 157 (2): 447-458. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2014.03.024. ISSN 0092-8674. PMC 4023864. PMID 24725410. Woo, Seung- ... Cell. 164 (3): 499-511. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2015.12.031. ISSN 1097-4172. PMC 4733249. PMID 26824658. Qiu, Zhaozhu; Dubin, ... He received a B.S. degree in cell and developmental biology from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1990 and a PhD ...
Instead, it has sensitive touch receptors (Merkel cells). The rhinarium, upper lip, and gums are tightly connected by a fold of ...
A recent study demonstrates the presence of m6A in the small T antigen of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) in Merkel cell ... Orouji E, Peitsch WK, Orouji A, Houben R, Utikal J (January 2020). "6A RNA Modification: YTHDF1 in Merkel Cell Carcinoma". ... Mammalian viral transcripts must function in a mammalian cell, so they must acquire the same epigenetic marks as the host cell ... Nevertheless, m6A levels vary between different RNAs within a cell and between different cell types of the same organism. The ...
Merkel cell nerve endings are found in the basal epidermis and hair follicles; they react to low vibrations (5-15 Hz) and deep ... Merkel and bulbous cells - slow-response - are myelinated; the rest - fast-response - are not. All of these receptors are ... the same may hold for Merkel cells, which detect the static indentations important for fine spatial acuity. Among children of ... In the case of touch and certain types of pain, the third-order neuron has its cell body in the ventral posterior nucleus of ...
Merkel cell carcinoma. Alexander Kibrik, 73, Russian linguist (Moscow State University), after long illness. Fernando Ortíz, 89 ... Mohammed Mushaima, 24, Bahraini political activist, sickle cell anemia.[citation needed] Kalambadi Muhammad Musliyar, 78, ...
"Merkel Cells Activate Sensory Neural Pathways through Adrenergic Synapses". Neuron. 100 (6): 1401-1413.e6. doi:10.1016/j.neuron ... Tasha (2021-09-27). "2021 Kids' Book Choice Award Finalists". Waking Brain Cells. Retrieved 2021-11-04. The Magnificent Makers ... "100 inspiring Black scientists in America". crosstalk.cell.com. Retrieved 2021-11-01. "Episode 07: Theanne Griffith, PhD". ...
Extrapulmonary Small Cell Carcinoma at eMedicine "Merkel-cell carcinima". Dynamed. Retrieved 2021-08-01. Cicin I, Usta U, ... Small-cell carcinoma is an undifferentiated neoplasm composed of primitive-appearing cells. As the name implies, the cells in ... Treatment is similar to small cell lung cancer, but survival rates are much higher than other small-cell carcinomas. Small-cell ... It is thought to originate from neuroendocrine cells (APUD cells) in the bronchus called Feyrter cells (named for Friedrich ...
These findings allowed her lab to conclude that Merkel cells are mechanosensory receptor cells, and she published a paper ... Merkel cells are found in clusters called touch domes, which are then connected to neuronal networks. Lumpkin studies how these ... Her research has also disproved the common belief that Merkel cells are descended from the neural crest, instead showing that ... Ellen Lumpkin and her team discovered the specialization of Merkel cells involved in encoding different aspects of the ...
Results of a Phase II clinical trial in Merkel-cell carcinoma were reported in The New England Journal of Medicine in June 2016 ... June 2016). "PD-1 Blockade with Pembrolizumab in Advanced Merkel-Cell Carcinoma". The New England Journal of Medicine. 374 (26 ... Normally, the PD-1 receptor on activated T-cells binds to the PD-L1 or PD-L2 ligands present on normal cells in the body, ... deactivating any potential cell-mediated immune response against these cells. Many cancers make proteins such as PD-L1 that ...
About 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas are caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus; the remaining tumors have an unknown etiology and ... Merkel cell polyomavirus is the most recently discovered human cancer virus, isolated from Merkel cell carcinoma tissues in ... Feng H, Shuda M, Chang Y, Moore PS (February 2008). "Clonal integration of a polyomavirus in human Merkel cell carcinoma". ... human T-cell leukemia virus-1, which is associated with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma; and bovine leukemia virus, which is ...
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), also known as Human polyomavirus 5, naturally infects humans and is associated with Merkel ... the cell must be in S phase (the part of the cell cycle in which the host cell's genome is normally replicated) in order to ... In Merkel cell polyomavirus, unlike in SV40, LTag alone does not support efficient viral replication and STag is required. ... Wendzicki, Justin A.; Moore, Patrick S.; Chang, Yuan (2015-04-01). "Large T and small T antigens of Merkel cell polyomavirus". ...
... and was used to discover Merkel cell polymavirus in Merkel-cell carcinoma. Simultaneously to the MCV discovery, this approach ... Feng H, Shuda M, Chang Y, Moore PS (Jan 2008). "Clonal integration of a polyomavirus in human Merkel cell carcinoma". Science. ... The method specifically examines the etiological agent of infectious diseases and is best known for discovering Merkel cell ... the suspect causative agent in Merkel-cell carcinoma. Using computational subtraction to discover novel pathogens was first ...
This virus is the likely cause of Merkel-cell carcinoma and hence is named Merkel cell polyomavirus. Moore and Chang have ... Feng H, Shuda M, Chang Y, Moore PS (February 2008). "Clonal integration of a polyomavirus in human Merkel cell carcinoma". ... two different human viruses causing the AIDS-related cancer Kaposi's sarcoma and the skin cancer Merkel cell carcinoma. The ... they identified the most recently discovered human polyomavirus infecting Merkel cells. ...
Merkel cells, and Langerhans cells. The predominant cell keratinocyte, which produces keratin, a fibrous protein that aids in ... These cells are grouped together in lobules separated by connective tissue. The hypodermis acts as an energy reserve. The fats ... The lunula is the crescent-shape area at the base of the nail, lighter in color as it mixes with matrix cells. Only primates ... Non-keratinized cells allow water to "stay" atop the structure. The protein keratin stiffens epidermal tissue to form ...
Kaposi sarcoma virus and Merkel cell polyoma virus cause skin cancers. Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) causes T cell ... T lymphocytes are cells of the immune system that attack and destroy virus-infected cells, tumor cells and cells from ... This enables the T cells to eliminate cells with "foreign" or "abnormal" antigens without harming the normal cells. It has long ... is expressed in a large variety of cancer cells but not in normal cells, with the exception of germline cells, which do not ...
Merkel cells are located in the stratum basale of the epidermis. Deep pressure and vibration is transduced by lamellated ( ... Low frequency vibrations are sensed by mechanoreceptors called Merkel cells, also known as type I cutaneous mechanoreceptors. ... Receptor cells can be classified into types on the basis of three different criteria: cell type, position, and function. ... plants interpret and respond to these stimuli by a variety of hormonal and cell-to-cell communication pathways that result in ...
Merkel cells, also known as Merkel-Ranvier cells or tactile epithelial cells, are oval-shaped mechanoreceptors essential for ... Merkel nerve ending Merkel cell carcinoma List of keratins expressed in the human integumentary system List of human cell types ... Wikimedia Commons has media related to Merkel cell. Merkel Cells at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject ... The German anatomist Friedrich Sigmund Merkel referred to Merkel cells as Tastzellen or "touch cells". Until recently this ...
Most Merkel cell skin cancer involves some type of surgery. Learn about possible options here. ... Merkel cell carcinoma: An update and review: Current and future therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;78(3):445-454. ... Because of this, a sentinel lymph node biopsy (described in Tests for Merkel Cell Carcinoma) is a very important part of ... Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment (PDQ®)-Health Professional Version. February 1, 2018. Accessed at www.cancer.gov/types/skin/hp/ ...
The PD-1 inhibitor received accelerated approval for adults with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma ... High Rate of Subsequent Cancers in Merkel Cell Carcinoma * Mohs Found to Confer Survival Benefit in Localized Merkel Cell ... FDA Approves New Merkel Cell Carcinoma Drug Zynyz * 2001/viewarticle/rethinking-approach-manage-fever-ed-children-sickle-cell- ... Cite this: FDA Approves New Merkel Cell Carcinoma Drug Zynyz - Medscape - Mar 22, 2023. ...
Merkel cell carcinoma is a complex condition to treat, but the specialists within Moffitt Cancer Centers Cutaneous Oncology ... Merkel Cell Carcinoma Head and Neck Surgeons. Meet the providers who specialize in head and neck surgery to treat Merkel cell ... Merkel Cell Carcinoma Radiation Oncologists. Meet the radiation oncologists who specialize in Merkel cell carcinoma treatment. ... Merkel cell carcinoma is a complex condition to treat, but the specialists within Moffitt Cancer Centers Cutaneous Oncology ...
... the term Merkel cell carcinoma is still most commonly used in view of the many similarities of the constituent tumor cell to ... Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive, primary skin cancer exhibiting neuroendocrine differentiation. Several synonyms ... RB1 is the crucial target of the Merkel cell polyomavirus Large T antigen in Merkel cell carcinoma cells. Oncotarget. 2016 May ... non-Merkel cell progenitors. [7, 8] Sunshine et al offer that perhaps there are multiple cell-line precursors of Merkel cell ...
Common types Basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma Melanoma Merkel cell carcinoma Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans ... Dermatologists recommend a specialized medical team with experience treating Merkel cell carcinoma deliver your care. Merkel ... Skin cancer types: Merkel cell carcinoma diagnosis & treatment. Types and treatment ... How is Merkel cell carcinoma diagnosed?. When a doctor who has expertise in diagnosing MCC suspects that you may have this rare ...
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon and aggressive cutaneous neoplasm that lacks distinguishing clinical features. ... Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is the eponym for primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma, a dermal neoplasm with cytoplasmic, ... High Rate of Subsequent Cancers in Merkel Cell Carcinoma * Mohs Found to Confer Survival Benefit in Localized Merkel Cell ... Merkel cell polyomavirus expression in merkel cell carcinomas and its absence in combined tumors and pulmonary neuroendocrine ...
Merkel cell carcinoma is a fast-spreading skin cancer. A weak immune system, virus and UV light exposure can cause this cancer ... How is Merkel cell carcinoma treated?. Treatments for Merkel cell carcinoma depend on the cancer stage. Early-stage Merkel cell ... What are Merkel cells?. Merkel cells are found deep in your epidermis (top layer of your skin). The cells are a type of ... Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. The ...
Visit now learn about and meet our team of Merkel cell carcinoma doctors, surgeons and other experts, including their education ... including rare skin cancers like Merkel cell carcinoma. We also have experience in managing complex, multiple, and recurrent ... Our scientists pursue every aspect of cancer research-from exploring the biology of genes and cells, to developing immune-based ... At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, our Merkcel cell carcinoma and skin cancer team include specialists in surgery, head ...
Merkel Cell Skin Cancer. Merkel cell skin cancer is a cancer of nerve cells in the skin that govern touch. It is a rapidly ... The treatment for Merkel cell skin cancer is to kill these cells with radiation, UV light, topical chemicals, surgery and ... Merkel cell skin carcinoma is a very rare type of skin cancer. About 3,000 people in the United State are diagnosed with this ... On September 1, 2023, he died at the age of 76 after a four-year battle with a very rare type of skin cancer called Merkel cell ...
Human Merkel cells-aspects of cell biology, distribution and functions. Eur J Cell Biol. 2005;84(2-3):259-271.. View this ... Merkel cell polyomavirus small T antigen initiates merkel cell carcinoma-like tumor development in mice. Cancer Res. 2017;77(12 ... Merkel cell polyomavirus small T antigen induces cancer and embryonic merkel cell proliferation in a transgenic mouse model. ... Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer that frequently carries an integrated Merkel cell ...
What is Merkel cell carcinoma?. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of non-melanoma ... What causes Merkel cell carcinoma?. Mayo Clinic states that its unclear what causes Merkel cell carcinoma. Researchers only ... What are the symptoms of Merkel cell carcinoma?. Merkel cell carcinoma usually appears on the face, head or neck. but it can ... How can you prevent getting Merkel cell carcinoma?. The best way to prevent getting Merkel cell carcinoma is by protecting ...
About Merkel Cell Carcinoma Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive and rare form of skin cancer that. is often caused by a ... Merkel cell carcinoma is more likely to spread to other parts of the. body than most types of skin cancer. It is estimated that ... "Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare type of skin cancer, is an aggressive and. fast-growing disease that has been associated with ... Merkel cell carcinoma." Mercks long-term commitment to skin cancers includes a broad clinical. development program studying ...
... for its ITI-3000 programme to treat patients with Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). ... Immunomic Therapeutics receives FTD for ITI-3000 programme to treat Merkel Cell Carcinoma. By PBR Staff Writer ... Image: MCC is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer typically caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Credit: Patrick S ... MCC is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer typically caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). ...
Merkel cell. (MER-kul sel) A special type of cell found right below the epidermis (top layer of skin). These cells are very ... Advances in cellular immunotherapy that spur genetically modified T cells to attack cancer cells have revolutionized the ... Advances in cellular immunotherapy that spur genetically modified T cells to attack cancer cells have revolutionized the ... Advances in cellular immunotherapy that spur genetically modified T cells to attack cancer cells have revolutionized the ...
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) is a causative factor in Merkel cell cancer (MCC). This aggressive skin maligrancy is associated ... Pallan, Lalit (2017). Investigating T cell immunity against the oncogenic Merkel cell polyomavirus. University of Birmingham. ... MCC patients had lower frequencies of B-cells while T-cells from patients with active disease proliferated relatively poorly. ... Quantifying peripheral T-cell responses to the large- and small T-antigens in patient groups and healthy donors by ELISpot ...
Global Merkel Cell Carcinoma Therapeutics Market Key Players are Amgen Inc., Merck & Co., Pfizer Inc., BeiGene, OncoSec Medical ... Merkel Cell Carcinoma Therapeutics Market Size, Share and Global Trend By Therapy (Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Combination ...
Hispanic Patients Have Highest Survival Rate After Merkel Cell Carcinoma Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA ... Differences in Merkel cell carcinoma presentation and outcomes among racial and ethnic groups. JAMA Dermatol. Published online ... Patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) may have different sites of disease, stage at diagnosis, and survival outcomes ... Close more info about Hispanic Patients Have Highest Survival Rate After Merkel Cell Carcinoma ...
Dive into a comprehensive exploration of Merkel-cell Carcinoma (MCC), its stages, and its significance. Grasp the essentials of ... Introduction: Piecing Together the Puzzle of Merkel-cell Carcinoma Stages. Merkel-cell Carcinoma, often referred to as MCC, is ... Merkel-cell Carcinomas initial stage, Stage 1, is characterized by the presence of a tumor thats 2 cm wide or smaller. The ... www.dana-farber.org/merkel-cell-carcinoma/. 4. https://www.oncolink.org/cancers/carcinoid-neuroendocrine-tumors/merkel-cell- ...
Since Merkel cells are also CD200+ (Fig. 1E-G), we cannot rule out the possibility of contaminating Merkel cells in the FACS- ... The absence of Merkel cells in TD grafts harvested at 2 weeks (Fig. 2W) confirmed that post-mitotic Merkel cells do not persist ... Detection of Merkel cell polyomavirus in Merkel cell carcinoma and Kaposis sarcoma ... epidermal Merkel cells reside within the TD and demonstrate that these cells are uniquely qualified to give rise to Merkel cell ...
... rising number of Merkel cell carcinoma, increased awareness among people, and improvements in healthcare infrastructure ... The global Merkel cell carcinoma market is expected to register a steady revenue CAGR over the forecasted period, ... 3 Trials for Stage IIIA Merkel Cell Carcinoma AJCC v8 and Stage IIIB Merkel Cell Carcinoma AJCC v8 or Stage III Merkel Cell ... Rising number of Merkel cell carcinoma cases is a major factor driving revenue growth of the global Merkel cell carcinoma ...
One such cancer is Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive skin malignancy. In 2008, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV ... Merkel cell polyomavirus; Merkel cell carcinoma; large T antigen; small T antigen; tumourigenesis. ... Filename: Merkel cell polyomavirus: molecular insights into the most recently discovered human tumour virus..pdf ... Merkel cell polyomavirus: molecular insights into the most recently discovered human tumour virus. ...
24, Oct, 2013, Berlin, accuses, washington, of, monitoring, Merkel, cell, phone, PTV, Presstv, English, The, European, Union, ... The White House says Obama has assured Merkel that her cell is not being tapped. Show Less >>. Having difficulty playing this ... 24 Oct 2013] Berlin accuses washington of monitoring Merkel cell phone - English. ... 24 Oct 2013] Berlin Accuses Washington Of Monitoring Merkel Cell Phone - English. *25-10-2013 ...
The Associated Press reports that though diagnoses of Merkel cell carcinoma have tripled to about 1,500 a year, there have been ... Washington - The Associated Press reports that though diagnoses of Merkel cell carcinoma have tripled to about 1,500 a year, ... Washington - The Associated Press reports that though diagnoses of Merkel cell carcinoma have tripled to about 1,500 a year, ... In January, scientists announced that they had discovered a previously unknown virus lurking inside Merkel cell tumors, but ...
Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review Message Subject (Your Name) has sent you ... Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Emran Askari, Soroush Zarehparvar ... Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Emran Askari, Soroush Zarehparvar ... Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Emran Askari, Soroush Zarehparvar ...
... "and in Merkel cell its particularly true because Merkel cell is one of the most responsive to immunotherapy." ... Jimmy Buffett Had Merkel Cell Carcinoma, a Cancer That Strikes Fear in the Hearts of Many. admin3 September 8, 2023 ... But Merkel cell carcinoma, certainly, it does go to lymph nodes, it likes to go to lymph nodes, thats a very common way that ... Merkel cell tumors often look like firm, pink, red, or purple lumps or bumps on the skin. They usually dont hurt, but theyre ...
Are there multiple cells of origin of Merkel cell carcinoma?. J. C. Sunshine, N. S. Jahchan, J. Sage, J. Choi*. *Corresponding ... Dive into the research topics of Are there multiple cells of origin of Merkel cell carcinoma?. Together they form a unique ...
... Merkel cells are receptors formed of neuroendocrine cells which are ... Does Merkel Cell Carcinoma Hurt & What Virus Causes It?. *How Aggressive Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma & What Is The Function Of A ... Squamous cell cancers are much more common than Merkel cell cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma makes 20% of the total skin cancers ... What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Complications, Prevention. *How Do You Stop Merkel Cell ...
Tag: Merkel cell polyomavirus. How Skin Cancer Virus Outcompetes Host Cell Replication Posted July 17, 2023. by newsbureau ... University of Pittsburgh researchers have shown for the first time how Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), which causes an ... aggressive skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma,… Read more #sidebar7.sidebar .widget { display: block; width: 100%; max- ...
  • Effect of radiation therapy on survival in patients with resected Merkel cell carcinoma: a propensity score surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database analysis. (medscape.com)
  • Clonal integration of a polyomavirus in human Merkel cell carcinoma. (medscape.com)
  • Merkel cell polyomavirus expression in merkel cell carcinomas and its absence in combined tumors and pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas. (medscape.com)
  • MicroRNA Expression Patterns Related to Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection in Human Merkel Cell Carcinoma. (medscape.com)
  • Kwun HJ, Shuda M, Feng H, Camacho CJ, Moore PS, Chang Y. Merkel cell polyomavirus small T antigen controls viral replication and oncoprotein expression by targeting the cellular ubiquitin ligase SCFFbw7. (medscape.com)
  • Faust H, Andersson K, Ekström J, Hortlund M, Robsahm TE, Dillner J. Prospective study of Merkel cell polyomavirus and risk of Merkel cell carcinoma. (medscape.com)
  • Eight in 10 people with Merkel cell carcinoma have the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCP). (clevelandclinic.org)
  • Researchers only recently discovered that a common virus, called Merkel cell polyomavirus, plays a role in the development of this disease. (yahoo.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive and rare form of skin cancer that is often caused by a Merkel cell associated polyomavirus. (merck.com)
  • Image: MCC is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer typically caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). (pharmaceutical-business-review.com)
  • Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) is a causative factor in Merkel cell cancer (MCC). (bham.ac.uk)
  • Merkel cell polyomavirus: molecular insights into the most recently discovered human tumour virus. (whiterose.ac.uk)
  • In 2008, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) was discovered as the causative agent of MCC. (whiterose.ac.uk)
  • The tumor promoting Merkel cell polyomavirus has been implicated in its pathogenesis. (pediagenosis.com)
  • The Merkel cell polyomavirus has been studied to assess its role in the development of Merkel cell carcinoma. (pediagenosis.com)
  • Researchers have implicated the Merkel cell polyomavirus as a potential cause of Merkel cell carcinoma. (pediagenosis.com)
  • The association of MCC with the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) may explain the explicit immunogenicity of MCC. (bmj.com)
  • In 2008 a common virus, polyomavirus, was found in a vast majority of Merkel cancer cells, at least 80% of the time. (melanomaactioncoalition.org)
  • The Merkel cell polyomavirus may be a contributory factor. (msdmanuals.com)
  • Merkel-Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is rare and highly aggressive skin cancer, usually due to Merckel-cell polyomavirus. (oncologyradiotherapy.com)
  • Cutaneous metastasis of mixed neuroendocrine, sarcomatous, and squamous rectal carcinoma mimicking a Merkel cell polyomavirus-negative Merkel cell carcinoma. (bvsalud.org)
  • Our skin cancer specialists are widely published in scientific journals, and their contributions are often sought when developing new evidence-based pathways and best practices for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma . (moffitt.org)
  • Meet the surgeons who specialize in the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma. (moffitt.org)
  • Diagnosis and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma. (medscape.com)
  • Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC 's drug candidate Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) is under clinical trials phase 3 is used for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, which is expected to be complete by 2032. (reportsanddata.com)
  • The study findings make early detection and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma a top priority. (veintherapynews.com)
  • Cite this: FDA Approves New Merkel Cell Carcinoma Drug Zynyz - Medscape - Mar 22, 2023. (medscape.com)
  • On September 1, 2023, he died at the age of 76 after a four-year battle with a very rare type of skin cancer called Merkel cell skin cancer, a form of skin cancer that is considered three to five times more deadly than melanoma. (drmirkin.com)
  • Sun exposure and a weakened immune system can both increase the risk of Merkel cell carcinoma. (reportsanddata.com)
  • The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved retifanlimab-dlwr (Zynyz), an intravenous programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor, for the treatment of adults with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), the agency announced . (medscape.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma with growing incidence and high metastatic potential. (medscape.com)
  • In 2017, avelumab became the first drug approved by the FDA for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma in adults and children aged 12 years or older. (medscape.com)
  • [ 20 ] In 2018, another PD-1 inhibitor, pembrolizumab, was approved for adults and children with metastatic or recurrent, locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma. (medscape.com)
  • Indicated for adults and children with metastatic or recurrent, locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma. (medscape.com)
  • License Application (sBLA) seeking accelerated approval for KEYTRUDA, Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). (merck.com)
  • KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have high PD-L1 expression [Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) ≥50%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. (merck.com)
  • Both the cancers have their treatment of choice is surgical resection of the lesion but the lesion of squamous carcinoma requires more margins to be resected due to ulcerative presentation whereas Merkel cell carcinoma is associated more often with lymph node dissection due to higher metastatic rate. (epainassist.com)
  • Although both can be metastatic in nature but Merkel cell cancer is more metastatic and is associated with a poorer prognosis than the squamous carcinoma. (epainassist.com)
  • The nonspecific characteristics of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) lead to a lengthy differential diagnosis that includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, amelanotic melanoma, epidermal cysts, lymphoma, and metastatic carcinoma of the skin. (medscape.com)
  • Surgery is the main treatment for most Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs). (cancer.org)
  • [ 2 ] As neuroendocrine carcinomas were thought to be of neural crest origin, in 1978 Tang and Toker proposed that this carcinoma might be derived from Merkel cells. (medscape.com)
  • [ 6 ] As they are primarily postmitotic, Merkel cells putatively have low sensitivity to oncogenic stimuli, and they are found in the basal epidermis, whereas cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinomas arise in the dermis. (medscape.com)
  • Feng et al established in 2008 that approximately 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas in the Northern hemisphere occur after genomic integration by a ubiquitous skin commensal virus, Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV). (medscape.com)
  • Most Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) are treated with surgery. (skincancer.net)
  • Merkel cell carcinomas can range in color from flesh colored to red, purple, or blue. (floridacoastaldermatology.com)
  • More than half of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) occur in the head and neck of elderly people in areas of actinically damaged skin. (medscape.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) usually appear as indurated plaques or violaceous (red or deep purple) solitary and dome-shaped nodules. (medscape.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) usually occur in sun-damaged skin. (medscape.com)
  • Also see Merkel Cell Tumors of the Head and Neck and Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Rare Appendageal Tumors . (medscape.com)
  • As a result, the virus causes skin cells to make a protein that turns off the genes that normally suppress the growth of tumors . (clevelandclinic.org)
  • Tumors from Merkel cell carcinoma typically appear on sun-exposed areas of skin. (clevelandclinic.org)
  • In January, scientists announced that they had discovered a previously unknown virus lurking inside Merkel cell tumors, but added that if they had had more funding they could have easily discovered the virus five years previously. (dermatologytimes.com)
  • This virus has been isolated from a high percentage of Merkel cell tumors, but not from all of them. (pediagenosis.com)
  • Those whose tumors contain more killer T cells and those whose immune systems are able to heal their primary tumor without intervention tend to fare better. (melanomaactioncoalition.org)
  • Subsequent studies involving immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy revealed that these tumors originate from the Merkel cell. (medscape.com)
  • About 3% of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) have tumors at several sites. (medscape.com)
  • Some localized melanomas may result from azathioprine, which acts synergistically with ultraviolet radiation, while T-cell depleting induction therapies may promote late stage tumors. (cdc.gov)
  • Our data from micro-dissected LC in both dermatopathic lymphadenopathy [12] and LCS [13] suggest that monocytes, precursor Langerhans cells, or Langerhans cells are one of the reservoir cells for MCPyV. (mayabouchenaki.com)
  • However, to date only a single MCPyV-derived CD8 T-cell epitope have been described, thus impeding specific monitoring of T-cell responses to MCC. (bmj.com)
  • To overcome this limitation, we scanned the MCPyV oncoproteins large T and small T antigen and the virus-capsid protein VP1 for potential T-cell epitopes, and tested for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I affinity. (bmj.com)
  • In peripheral blood from 38 MCC patients and 30 healthy donors we identified 53 MCPyV-directed CD8+ T-cell responses against 35 different peptide sequences. (bmj.com)
  • These T-cell epitopes represent ideal targets for antigen specific immune therapy of MCC, and enables tracking and characterisation of MCPyV specific immune responses. (bmj.com)
  • Friedrich Sigmund Merkel discovered the Merkel cell in 1875. (medscape.com)
  • [ 5 , 6 ] Furthermore, experiments have demonstrated that epidermal progenitors in the touch domes are capable of producing Merkel cell lines and that epithelial progenitor populations in adults have the capacity to give rise to both neuroendocrine and squamous lineages. (medscape.com)
  • Having other types of skin cancer like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma. (clevelandclinic.org)
  • More common skin cancers are called basal cell or squamous cell and are usually curable just by cutting out the cancer completely so that there is 360 degrees of normal skin around the removed cancer. (drmirkin.com)
  • TDPCs exhibit bipotent progenitor behavior as they give rise to both squamous and neuroendocrine epidermal lineages, whereas the remainder of the α6 + Sca1 + CD200 - epidermis does not give rise to Merkel cells. (biologists.com)
  • Squamous cells are flat cells of epithelial origin forming the outermost and uppermost layer of skin and even epidermis. (epainassist.com)
  • Squamous cell cancers are much more common than Merkel cell cancer. (epainassist.com)
  • Squamous cell carcinoma makes 20% of the total skin cancers of non-melanomatous origin whereas, on the other hand, the Merkel cell cancer is quite rare cancer to be found alone [2] . (epainassist.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma usually presents as nodule of small size on the skin especially of head and neck regions with a property of changing colors like blue, purple, red, etc. whereas squamous cell carcinoma presents as a shallow ulcerative lesion with elevated margins and presence of plaques marks its configuration. (epainassist.com)
  • Very high-grade exposure to the sunlight for long periods can lead to squamous cell carcinoma but on the other hand, low-intensity exposure of, for long periods can lead to Merkel cell carcinoma. (epainassist.com)
  • Various immune system defects like inability to do DNA repair in the skin cells known as xeroderma pigmentosum can also lead to accumulation of the mutations in the cells which can trigger the squamous cell carcinoma far more often than Merkel cell carcinoma which is relatively very rare with it. (epainassist.com)
  • Since there is more of the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma than the Merkel cell carcinoma, these factors are found commonly associated with squamous cell cancers. (epainassist.com)
  • The chances of treatment and survival are more in squamous cell carcinoma. (epainassist.com)
  • The squamous cell cancers are having a much larger number of cases than Merkel cell cancer because of the strong association with etiological factors. (epainassist.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma is reported in lesser number than squamous cell carcinoma because of the difference in presentation. (epainassist.com)
  • The clinical differential diagnosis is often between Merkel cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, inflamed cyst, squamous cell carcinoma, or an adnexal tumor. (pediagenosis.com)
  • Case 2 was an 87 year-old female, with a lesion on the leg, originally reported as squamous cell carcinoma, later showing extensive local recurrence. (ox.ac.uk)
  • These cases illustrate that Merkel cell carcinoma is capable of divergent differentiation, including squamous and adnexal morphologies. (ox.ac.uk)
  • MCC is about 30 times less common than melanoma and far less common than basal or squamous cell carcinoma, and the clinical features of MCC are not extremely specific. (medscape.com)
  • While the two most common types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma - are highly treatable, other types of skin cancer, such as melanoma or Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), are still treatable but pose a greater threat. (uoflhealth.org)
  • The most common skin cancers - basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer - can usually be cured with surgery and only rarely spread beyond the skin," explains Paulson. (veintherapynews.com)
  • They are often found near other lesions of actinically damaged skin, including skin involved with Bowen disease, squamous cell carcinoma , basal cell carcinoma , solar keratoses, or lentigo maligna . (medscape.com)
  • The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. (medlineplus.gov)
  • What's New in Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Research? (medlineplus.gov)
  • Merkel cells are sometimes considered APUD cells (an older definition, more commonly classified as a part of dispersed neuroendocrine system) because they contain dense core granules, and thus may also have a neuroendocrine function. (wikipedia.org)
  • With the advent of improved immunohistochemical profiling, the tumor was reclassified as Merkel cell carcinoma because shared epithelial and neuroendocrine markers, along with ultrastructural features suggestive of neural crest origin, were observed in both the constituent tumor cell and the physiologic Merkel cell of the skin. (medscape.com)
  • Merkel cells were thought to be of neural crest origin because they are excitable cells that secrete neuropeptides and stain positively for neuroendocrine markers. (medscape.com)
  • [ 9 ] Since our understanding of the histogenesis is still evolving, some authors choose to refer to Merkel cell carcinoma as neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin or cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma. (medscape.com)
  • The cells are a type of neuroendocrine cell that has both nervous system and endocrine system functions. (clevelandclinic.org)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma, also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin or trabecular cancer, is a very rare skin disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form. (reportsanddata.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommonly encountered neuroendocrine malignant skin tumor that has an aggressive behavior. (pediagenosis.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma is a neuroendocrine tumor. (pediagenosis.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, usually occurring at sun-exposed sites in the elderly. (ox.ac.uk)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive, and often fatal neuroendocrine skin cancer. (medscape.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon neuroendocrine cutaneous carcinoma. (springeropen.com)
  • Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon neuroendocrine cutaneous carcinoma which is characterized by high incidence of early loco-regional relapse and distant metastases (Poulsen 2004 ). (springeropen.com)
  • The histopathology examination showed infiltration of the thyroid gland by a neuroendocrine carcinoma with characteristics compatible with Merkel cell carcinoma. (springeropen.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is the eponym for primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma, a dermal neoplasm with cytoplasmic, dense-core neuroendocrine granules and keratin filaments. (medscape.com)
  • The cause of Merkel cell carcinoma is still a mystery, though a few pieces of the puzzle are beginning to come to light. (melanomaactioncoalition.org)
  • And I specialize in Merkel cell carcinoma, but I am also a practicing dermatologist who does general derm(atology) and I think it's a diagnosis that sort of strikes fear in the hearts of many because it's a diagnosis you don't want to miss - but (it) can be hard to catch early. (cmlalliance.com)
  • The normal Merkel cells function in mechanoreception of the skin. (pediagenosis.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma arises from uncontrolled growth of cells in the skin that share some characteristics with normal Merkel cells. (msdmanuals.com)
  • However, the number of people receiving a Merkel cell carcinoma diagnosis is steadily increasing. (clevelandclinic.org)
  • While many factors play a role in survival rates for the cancer, experts estimate that three out of four people who have Merkel cell carcinoma that hasn't spread are alive five years after their diagnosis . (yahoo.com)
  • Patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) may have different sites of disease, stage at diagnosis, and survival outcomes according to their racial or ethnic group, a new study suggests. (oncologynurseadvisor.com)
  • Correct diagnosis is essential for appropriate prognosis and management, as later recurrence or metastases may only show the Merkel-cell component. (ox.ac.uk)
  • is done to confirm the diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma. (msdmanuals.com)
  • In most people, the cancer has already spread by the time the diagnosis has been made, so the prognosis for Merkel cell carcinoma is poor. (msdmanuals.com)
  • According to the Canadian Cancer Society , Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of non-melanoma skin cancer. (yahoo.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare type of skin cancer, is an aggressive and fast-growing disease that has been associated with mortality rates higher than other types of skin cancer, including melanoma," said Dr. (merck.com)
  • The prognosis of Merkel cell carcinoma is worse than that of melanoma. (pediagenosis.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma has been rare but, as with melanoma, the number of occurrences has been increasing rapidly in recent years. (melanomaactioncoalition.org)
  • To put it in perspective, they estimate that cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) are rising six times faster than other types of skin cancers and twice as fast as melanoma. (veintherapynews.com)
  • However, melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma are very likely to spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. (veintherapynews.com)
  • Together, these two factors make Merkel cell cancers even deadlier than melanoma. (veintherapynews.com)
  • According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, Merkel cell cancers kill about one in three patients , compared to one in nine patients who die from melanoma. (veintherapynews.com)
  • While signs of skin cancer, including melanoma, are relatively easy to recognize, Merkel cell cancers are more likely to fly under the radar. (veintherapynews.com)
  • Each team member has expertise in evaluating and treating patients with cancers of the skin - including rare skin cancers like Merkel cell carcinoma. (mskcc.org)
  • KEYNOTE-017 represents the longest observation to date of patients with advanced Merkel cell carcinoma receiving anti-PD-1 therapy in the first-line setting, and demonstrated durable tumor control in these patients. (merck.com)
  • We look forward to working closely with the FDA throughout the review process and to bringing KEYTRUDA to patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. (merck.com)
  • A clinical stage biotechnology company Immunomic Therapeutics has received Fast Track Designation (FTD) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its ITI-3000 programme to treat patients with Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). (pharmaceutical-business-review.com)
  • Immunomic Therapeutics CEO Dr. William Hearl said: "The FDA's decision to grant FTD underscores the potential for the ITI-3000 program to address a serious unmet need and serve as a meaningful therapeutic option for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. (pharmaceutical-business-review.com)
  • MCC patients had lower frequencies of B-cells while T-cells from patients with active disease proliferated relatively poorly. (bham.ac.uk)
  • And we cure lots of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma who are living great lives. (cmlalliance.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma, Thakuria said, is a very rare cancer, affecting approximately 2,400 patients in the United States per year. (cmlalliance.com)
  • It has been estimated that up to 50% of all patients diagnosed with a Merkel cell carcinoma will develop lymph node metastasis. (pediagenosis.com)
  • Grouping all stages together, one third of the patients diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma will die from their disease. (pediagenosis.com)
  • It is likely to be a player in the pathogenesis of a subset of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma, but it is unlikely to be the only explanation. (pediagenosis.com)
  • Radiotherapy alone in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma: the Westmead Hospital experience of 41 patients. (parallelpublicworks.com)
  • Strikingly, T-cell responses against oncoproteins were exclusively present in MCC patients, but not in healthy donors. (bmj.com)
  • Educating new Merkel cell carcinoma patients and their physicians about this serious and uncommon disease. (merkelcell.org)
  • Our Merkel cell carcinoma website serves as a resource for patients around the world, free of charge, to help guide management of this disease about which many physicians are not familiar. (merkelcell.org)
  • We have developed a new test that can be carried out on a tiny amount of blood from Merkel cell carcinoma patients. (merkelcell.org)
  • We have found that a patient's "killer T cells" are important in fighting Merkel cell carcinoma and that when they are present in the tumor, patients do very well. (merkelcell.org)
  • We believe that these insights and tools will significantly improve the prospects of current and future patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. (merkelcell.org)
  • This is a tricky one because 92% of MCC patients are not immune compromised, but those with long-term T-cell dysfunction (organ transplant recipients, autoimmune disease patients receiving immune suppression, HIV patients, chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients) are at much higher risk of developing MCC, but they represent less than 10% of all cases. (medscape.com)
  • When you consider the AEIOU characteristics together, almost 90% of Merkel patients have three or more of those five features. (medscape.com)
  • An immunofluorescent staining of a Merkel cell carcinoma tumour tissue. (yahoo.com)
  • Demonstrating the presence of oncoprotein-specific T cells among tumour infiltrating lymphocytes ex vivo further substantiated the relevance of the identified epitopes. (bmj.com)
  • Merkel cells, also known as Merkel-Ranvier cells or tactile epithelial cells, are oval-shaped mechanoreceptors essential for light touch sensation and found in the skin of vertebrates. (wikipedia.org)
  • It has been reported that Merkel cells are derived from neural crest cells, though more recent experiments in mammals have indicated that they are epithelial in origin. (wikipedia.org)
  • Within skin, Merkel cells have also been shown to cluster in the basal layers of the interfollicular epidermis in specialized epithelial structures called touch domes, where they are juxtaposed with epidermal keratinocytes. (medscape.com)
  • Other suggested cells of origin include the neural crest‒derived cell of amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation (APUD) system, dermal fibroblasts, pre or pro B cells, residual epidermal stem cells, and epithelial, non-Merkel cell progenitors. (medscape.com)
  • Epithelial stem cells in adult mammalian skin are known to maintain epidermal, follicular and sebaceous lineages during homeostasis. (biologists.com)
  • Here, we have identified a previously undescribed population of epidermal progenitors that reside in the touch domes of hairy skin, termed touch dome progenitor cells (TDPCs). (biologists.com)
  • How is Merkel cell carcinoma diagnosed? (aad.org)
  • So, in terms of how fast (it spreads) or what's the prognosis of someone with Merkel cell, it's really entirely dependent on their stage. (cmlalliance.com)
  • In 2019, he was diagnosed with Merkel Cell skin carcinoma. (drmirkin.com)
  • Merkel cell skin carcinoma is a very rare type of skin cancer. (drmirkin.com)
  • In mammalian skin, they are clear cells found in the stratum basale (at the bottom of sweat duct ridges) of the epidermis approximately 10 μm in diameter. (wikipedia.org)
  • [ 4 ] These specialized sensory cells are normally found in the basal epidermis of skin and parts of mucosal surfaces derived from the ectoderm. (medscape.com)
  • It develops in Merkel cells found in your skin's outer layer (your epidermis). (clevelandclinic.org)
  • Merkel cells are found deep in your epidermis (top layer of your skin ). (clevelandclinic.org)
  • A special type of cell found right below the epidermis (top layer of skin). (wustl.edu)
  • Langerhans cells (LC) are members of the dendritic cells family, residing in the basal and suprabasal layers of the epidermis and in the epithelia of the respiratory, digestive and urogenital tracts. (mayabouchenaki.com)
  • The epidermis is derived primarily from surface ectoderm but is colonized by pigment-containing melanocytes of neural crest origin, antigen-processing Langerhans cells of bone marrow origin, and pressure-sensing Merkel cells of neural crest origin. (medscape.com)
  • Cells of the stratum corneum are the largest and most abundant of the epidermis. (medscape.com)
  • KEYTRUDA is an anti-PD-1 therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body's immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. (merck.com)
  • So, whether you're directly affected, supporting someone who is, or are here to gain knowledge, this in-depth exploration aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of Merkel-cell Carcinoma's stages. (localquoter.net)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma is a complex condition to treat, but the specialists within Moffitt Cancer Center's Cutaneous Oncology Program have extensive experience in dealing with challenging cancers. (moffitt.org)
  • At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, our Merkcel cell carcinoma and skin cancer team include specialists in surgery, head and neck cancers, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and dermatology. (mskcc.org)
  • Transtasman Radiation Oncology Group had finished trials on Merkel Cell Carcinoma six months earlier. (cancercouncil.com.au)
  • Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Recommendations for Diagnostics and Treatment. (medscape.com)
  • Common distribution of Merkel cell carcinoma in the head and neck is shown in the image below. (medscape.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma: changing incidence trends. (medscape.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare cutaneous malignancy with an estimated incidence of 1 in 200,000. (pediagenosis.com)
  • Because of this, a sentinel lymph node biopsy (described in Tests for Merkel Cell Carcinoma ) is a very important part of determining the stage of the cancer. (cancer.org)
  • If the SLNB is negative (the sentinel nodes do not contain cancer cells), no more lymph node surgery is needed because it's very unlikely the cancer would have spread beyond this point. (cancer.org)
  • Erdem AP, Kasimoglu Y, Sepet E, Gencay K, Sahin S, Dervisoglu S. Oral manifestations may be the first sign of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. (mayabouchenaki.com)
  • Merkel postulated that these cells acted as mechanoreceptors in all animals. (medscape.com)
  • A dermatologist diagnoses and treats skin diseases like Merkel cell carcinoma. (clevelandclinic.org)
  • This lysosomal targeting technology has shown to lead to enhanced antigen presentation and a balanced immune response, including, ITI-3000 activated antigen-specific CD4+ T cells in vivo. (pharmaceutical-business-review.com)
  • Novel epitopes were identified by establishing T antigenipecific CD4 and CD8 T-cell clones from healthy donors which recognised antigen expressing cells. (bham.ac.uk)
  • Epidemiology of Renal Cell Carcinoma: 2022 Update. (who.int)
  • Melanocytes, derived from neural crest cells, primarily function to produce a pigment, melanin, which absorbs radiant energy from the sun and protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. (medscape.com)
  • Merkel cells, like melanocytes, are embryologically derived from the neural crest tissue. (pediagenosis.com)
  • Jimmy Buffett died of a rare form of skin cancer: What is Merkel cell carcinoma? (yahoo.com)
  • Jimmy Buffett died on Friday due to a rare form of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. (yahoo.com)
  • Legendary Singer Jimmy Buffett died Friday of Merkel cell cancer, a. (entertainmentandsportstoday.com)
  • Legendary Singer Jimmy Buffett died Friday of Merkel cell cancer, a rare form of. (entertainmentandsportstoday.com)
  • Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and other risk factors can cause these cells to become cancerous and grow uncontrollably. (clevelandclinic.org)
  • UV rays from sun exposure or artificial light sources like tanning beds cause most types of skin cancer, including Merkel cell carcinoma. (clevelandclinic.org)
  • Most skin cancers are caused by repeated damage to the DNA in skin cells from excessive and repeated exposure to sunlight. (drmirkin.com)
  • It is not just exposure to sunlight that damages skin, it is excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays that damages the DNA so that skin cells forget to die and try to live forever. (drmirkin.com)
  • Exposure to the ionizing radiation such as X rays, Gamma rays, etc. can easily propel these mutations in the cells and it could lead to cancerous growth. (epainassist.com)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) has also been linked to previous radiation exposure and B-cell lymphoma. (medscape.com)
  • Mycotoxin Exposure and Renal Cell Carcinoma Risk: An Association Study in the EPIC European Cohort. (who.int)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. (clevelandclinic.org)
  • One such cancer is Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive skin malignancy. (whiterose.ac.uk)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive skin cancer with strong evidence for viral carcinogenesis. (bmj.com)
  • Quantifying peripheral T-cell responses to the large- and small T-antigens in patient groups and healthy donors by ELISpot showed that like with other polyomaviruses, responses were weak. (bham.ac.uk)
  • PD-L1/PD-1 interaction inhibits immune activation and reduces T-cell cytotoxic activity when bound. (medscape.com)
  • This negative feedback loop is essential for maintaining normal immune responses and limits T-cell activity to protect normal cells during chronic inflammation. (medscape.com)
  • Our scientists pursue every aspect of cancer research-from exploring the biology of genes and cells, to developing immune-based treatments, uncovering the causes of metastasis, and more. (mskcc.org)
  • One of the key cellular components with functional roles in both innate and adaptive arms of the immune response are Langerhans cells (LCs) (2). (mayabouchenaki.com)
  • Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. (skincancer.net)
  • The immune system has built-in processes to prevent it from attacking healthy cells. (skincancer.net)
  • These "checkpoints" are proteins on immune cells that act like switches. (skincancer.net)
  • The immune system does not attack healthy cells when these switches are turned off. (skincancer.net)
  • This allows cancer cells to grow and spread without being detected by the immune system. (skincancer.net)
  • These treatments can help the immune system to start attacking cancer cells again. (skincancer.net)
  • We believe that strategic use of existing and emerging immune therapies will allow us to activate T cells to overcome the cancer's immune evasion strategies. (merkelcell.org)
  • Merkel call carcinoma also affects younger people whose immune system is weakened. (msdmanuals.com)
  • Most often, they are associated with sensory nerve endings, when they are known as Merkel nerve endings (also called a Merkel cell-neurite complex). (wikipedia.org)
  • Until recently this proposed function was controversial and hard to prove, due the close physical association of Merkel cells with sensory nerve endings. (wikipedia.org)
  • Merkel nerve ending Merkel cell carcinoma List of keratins expressed in the human integumentary system List of human cell types derived from the germ layers List of distinct cell types in the adult human body Halata Z, Baumann KI, Grim M (January 2008). (wikipedia.org)
  • These cells are very close to the nerve endings that receive the sensation of touch and may be involved in touch. (wustl.edu)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma is derived from a specialized cutaneous nerve ending. (pediagenosis.com)
  • These clear-staining cells at the dermoepidermal junction were near myelinated nerve fibers. (medscape.com)
  • And, making it possible for our doctors to recommend the most appropriate treatments for each patient's unique needs is a team of diagnostic specialists, including radiologists and pathologists who provide in-depth information regarding the cell type and stage of each patient's tumor. (moffitt.org)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma on a patient's sun-exposed forearm. (medscape.com)
  • [ 2 ] On the basis of the histologic characteristics of the tumor, he named it trabecular cell carcinoma of the skin. (medscape.com)
  • A month later, this mass was surgically excised and the histology examination showed a poorly differentiated small cell carcinoma, with histopathologic features of a Merkel cell carcinoma. (springeropen.com)
  • It starts in the Merkel cells, which help give the sense of touch and produce hormones. (yahoo.com)
  • The cells also contain substances that may act as hormones. (wustl.edu)
  • These cells mostly function as touch receptors and they produce certain hormones. (msdmanuals.com)
  • He observed tastzellen (touch cells) in the skin of the snouts of pigs and moles and deduced a mechanosensory function. (medscape.com)
  • As a result, Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is rarely diagnosed until biopsy is performed. (medscape.com)