title: Signaling pathways mediating melanogenesis.
abstract: Pigmentation of the skin, due to the synthesis and dispersion of melanin in the epidermis, is of great cosmetic and societal significance. It is also the key physiologic defense against sun-induced injuries such as sunburn, photocarcinogenesis and photoaging. During recent decades, there has been a dramatic increase in skin cancers, including melanoma, due to habitual sun exposure (Rigel, 1992; Weinstock, 1989). At present, in the United States, about one in 75 individuals is projected to develop malignant melanoma during his or her lifetime (Rigel, 1992). Unfortunately, progress in preventing sun-related injuries has been slow, in part due to lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in pigmentation. This article reviews recent progress in identifying signal transduction pathways that mediate melanogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118-2394, USA. hypark@bu.edu
authors.forename: H Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Gilchrest
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000502:physiology; D017868:Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D008545:Melanoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D008546:Melanoma, Experimental / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D020460:Melanosomes / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000378:metabolism; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D010766:Phosphorylation; D011493:Protein Kinase C / Q000502:physiology; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000502:physiology*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D014443:Tyrosine / Q000378:metabolism; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D008543:Melanins; D014443:Tyrosine; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase; D017868:Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; D011493:Protein Kinase C