Making a mountain out of a molehill: NRAS, mosaicism, and large congenital nevi

J Invest Dermatol. 2013 Sep;133(9):2127-30. doi: 10.1038/jid.2013.146.

Abstract

Linking phenotypic patterns of melanocytic neoplasia to specific gene mutations allows more precise predicting of clinical behavior and response to targeted therapy. In this issue, Kinsler et al. provide evidence that multiple congenital nevi with central nervous system lesions are likely exclusively the result of mosaic mutations in NRAS. We discuss the link between mosaic NRAS mutations, cellular senescence, and clinical phenotype in these nevi.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanosis / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Neurocutaneous Syndromes / genetics*
  • Nevus, Pigmented / genetics*
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics*

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases
  • NRAS protein, human

Supplementary concepts

  • Neurocutaneous melanosis