In this image of the month we highlight the protein barttin, encoded by the BSND gene, which is involved in the development of Bartter Syndrome. Barttin facilitates reabsorption of chloride in the loops of Henle in the kidneys and secretion of potassium in the stria vascularis of the inner ear (Estévez et al, 2001 ). More recently barttin has also been found to be expressed in the salivary ducts (Shinmura et al, 2018)...Read more

Melanoma is a common form of cancer in the skin and among skin cancers it is the most deadly form. Melanoma originates from cells of melanocytic origin and most typically begins as a small intraepidermal tumor (melanoma in situ). As the tumor continues to grow and progress, tumor cells invade the epidermis and eventually spread to regional lymph nodes and subsequently via hematogenic spread to distant organs. Tumor thickness of the primary tumor is the most important determining prognostic factor and thus is early discovery of key importance for survival.

The cancer image of the month shows skin with growth of a cutaneous melanoma...Read more