23rd International Pigment Cell Conference (IPCC)

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The International Pigment Cell Conference (IPCC) attracts scientists and clinicians from around the world to share the latest developments in pigment cells, melanoma and melanocyte research. It is the only international melanoma meeting held in North America in 2017.

Pigment cells are the factories that produce biologic pigments that have many important roles in camouflage, attraction, decoration, and protection within the animal kingdom.

The most important pigment cells in mammals are melanocytes which produce the pigment melanin that acts as the major natural sunscreen. However, there are many other functions of melanocytes in the skin, eyes, ears, meninges of the brain and in the heart. Uncovering how these cells work to impact pigmentation has led to fundamental advances in basic and translational biology as well as melanoma therapy.

Variability and dysfunction in melanocyte function lead to considerable consequences on both humans and animals. Skin depigmentation in vitiligo and albinism has a major impact on the functionality of people around the world. Hyperpigmentation of the skin due to melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is an important cosmetic concern worldwide as well. Melanoma is the main cancer involving pigment cells, and is a major killer in individuals with the wrong type of melanin pigment. In short, pigment cells perform critical roles in all mammals, and dysfunction of these cells produce significant mortality and morbidity.

This year’s IPCC will focus on Breakthroughs in Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research. The international congress will bring together scientists and clinicians from a wide variety of disciplines and will serve as a logical venue to discuss new technologies for basic and translational treatments of melanoma. In fact, the melanoma portion of the program will be organized by a unique program committee including scientists, medical dermatologists and surgical oncologists from around the world.

Our attendees have made important progress and contributions to in the following fields:

• Evolution
• Genetics
• Genomics
• Cell biology
• Chemistry
• Immunology
• Molecular biology
• Epidemiology
• Dermatology
• Medical and surgical oncology
• Progression of melanoma
• Systems biology

Historically, the International Pigment Cell Conference has performed a pivotal role in this diverse field to foster interaction, exchange and collaboration amongst some of the world’s foremost scientists, clinicians and opinion leaders, while also providing important training opportunities for junior scientists and clinicians.

We are working to continue the successful legacy of the IPCC meeting, and we are seeking your sponsorship to help shape the next generation of advances in pigment cell biology and melanoma related disease.

We look forward to seeing you at the XXIII International Pigment Cell and Melanoma Conference!

Dr. Davis A. Norris
Co-Chair, IPCC-2017
Denver, CO

Dr. Richard Spritz
Co-Chair, IPCC-2017
Denver, CO

Dr. Thomas Hornyak
President, PASPCR
Co-Chair, IPCC-2017
Denver, CO

Dr. Neil Box
Chair, Program Committee, IPCC-2017
Denver, CO