Melanoma, Melanin, and Melanogenesis: The Yin and Yang Relationship

Melanin pigment plays a critical role in the protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and other environmental stressors. It is produced by the enzymatic transformation of L-tyrosine to dopaquinone and subsequent chemical and biochemical reactions resulting in the formation of various 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA) and 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI) oligomers-main constituents of eumelanin, and benzothiazine and benzothiazole units of pheomelanin. The biosynthesis of melanin is regulated by sun exposure and by many hormonal factors at the tissue, cellular, and subcellular levels. While the presence of melanin protects against the development of skin cancers including cutaneous…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• OO
  Office of Research and Development
• NC
  Narodowe Centrum Nauki
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: R21AI149267, R01AR073004-01A1, R01AR071189, R21AI149267-01A1, 1I01BX004293-01A1, R01AR071189-01A1, R01AR073004