Mitochondria give cells a tan.
The discovery of melanogenin, a small molecule that induces pigmentation in melanocytes, has led to identification of a mitochondrial protein as target. The finding is relevant therapeutically, and argues for how chemical biology can be used to elucidate organelle-specific functions.
Rosania
Gus R
GR
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism*; D010858:Pigmentation / Q000502:physiology*; D000091402:Prohibitins; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D014227:Triazines / Q000378:metabolism*
D008543:Melanins; D000091402:Prohibitins; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D014227:Triazines; C502970:melanogenin