reviewInternational Journal of Molecular SciencesJul 15, 2016GOLD OA

Signaling Pathways in Melanogenesis

SAStacey Ann N. D’melloGJGraeme J. FinlayBCBruce C. BaguleyMAMarjan Askarian-Amiri

University of Auckland · Cancer Society of New Zealand

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefdoajpubmed

Abstract

Melanocytes are melanin-producing cells found in skin, hair follicles, eyes, inner ear, bones, heart and brain of humans. They arise from pluripotent neural crest cells and differentiate in response to a complex network of interacting regulatory pathways. Melanins are pigment molecules that are endogenously synthesized by melanocytes. The light absorption of melanin in skin and hair leads to photoreceptor shielding, thermoregulation, photoprotection, camouflage and display coloring. Melanins are also powerful cation chelators and may act as free radical sinks. Melanin formation is a product of complex biochemical events that starts from amino acid tyrosine and its metabolite, dopa. The types and amounts of…

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1,033
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Authors

4

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Melanin
  • Cell biology
  • Photoprotection
  • Biology
  • Melanosome
  • Melanocyte
  • Signal transduction
  • Cell signaling
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