Advances in melanocyte basic science research.

Karin U Schallreuter

Journal: Dermatologic clinics 2007;25(3):283-91, vii

PMID: 17662894

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

This article focuses on recent advances in melanocyte biology and physiology. The major function of this neural crest-derived cell is the production of melanins. A "three enzyme theory" in the initiation of pigmentation is put forward and backed up by recent findings. A receptor-independent role for alpha-MSH and the cofactor (6R)-l-erythro-5,6,7,8-terahydrobiopterin (6BH(4)) in the control of tyrosinase is described. The importance of intramelanosomal pH for melanogenesis is covered. Finally, the redundancy of the cAMP and IP3/DAG/calcium signal in melanocytes together with the downstream events are highlighted. The main message of this article is that the intracellular H(2)O(2)- redox-equilibrium controls melanocyte function in a concentration-dependent manner.

Address: Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, West Yorkshire, UK. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2007.04.010

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MeSH Terms: Biopterins, Calcium Signaling, Cyclic AMP, Diacylglycerol Kinase, Hormones, Humans, Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate, Melanins, Melanocytes, Melanosomes, Monophenol Monooxygenase, Nitric Oxide Synthase, Oxidation-Reduction, Skin Pigmentation, alpha-MSH