Immunohistochemical detection of the c-met proto-oncogene product in the congenital melanocytic nevus of an infant with neurocutaneous melanosis☆☆☆

Abstract Transgenic mice overexpressing hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) demonstrate extensive pigmented nevi in both skin and leptomeninges of the central nervous system resembling human neurocutaneous melanosis. We immunohistochemically detected HGF/SF receptor, Met, in a congenital nevus of an infant with neurocutaneous melanosis, indicating that deregulation of HGF/SF-Met signaling in the critical period of development may lead to this fatal syndrome. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;44:538-40.)