Skin injury promotes healthy-cell expansion, helps control mutated cell growth

Healthy human skin is a mosaic of normal and mutation-bearing cells. More cells accumulate more mutations as we age, increasing skin cancer risk.

Researchers in the lab of Valentina Greco found injury to the skin promotes healthy-cell expansion, which in turn keeps mutated growth under control.

Study authors say the surprising new findings suggest acute injury might actually counteract – rather than promote – tumor formation.