Nodular melanoma is one of the most life threatening tumors with still poor therapeutic outcome. Similarly to other tumors, permissive microenvironment is essential for melanoma progression. Features of this microenvironment are arising from molecular crosstalk between the melanoma cells (MC) and the surrounding cell populations in the context of skin tissue. Here, we study the effect of melanoma cells on human primary keratinocytes (HPK). Presence of MC is as an important modulator of the tumor microenvironment and we compare it to the effect of nonmalignant lowly differentiated cells also originating from neural crest (NCSC).

An ageing population is a typical feature of many developed countries across the world. Analyzed from a biomedical and philosophical point of view, this phenomenon is also a potential risk factor for social sustainability of communities. The association between ageing and cancer seems to be more than apparent. Therefore, the further increase of epidemic-like incidence of malignant tumors in a population can be expected in the near future. Elderly people usually suffer from age-dependent diseases, and such polymorbidity can seriously affect the treatment of malignant tumors. Such an impending situation may be associated with multiple medical, social and economic issues. This article summarizes data about the possible molecular mechanism influencing rapid spreading of tumors in the elderly population. Reduction of the activity of DNA repair machinery is a likely genetic cause. Besides this, even epigenetic mechanisms can influence this process. In this context, the role of cancer stroma in controlling multiple biological properties of tumors is a prospective target for translational research with potential therapeutic outcomes.

Excessive connective tissue accumulation, a hallmark of hypertrophic scaring, results in progressive deterioration of the structure and function of organs. It can also be seen during tumor growth and other fibroproliferative disorders. These processes result from a wide spectrum of cross-talks between mesenchymal, epithelial and inflammatory/immune cells that have not yet been fully understood. In the present review, we aimed to describe the molecular features of fibroblasts and their interactions with immune and epithelial cells and extracellular matrix. We also compared different types of fibroblasts and their roles in skin repair and regeneration following burn injury. In summary, here we briefly review molecular changes underlying hypertrophic scarring following burns throughout all basic wound healing stages, i.e. during inflammation, proliferation and maturation.