Advances in melanocyte basic science research.
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.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, West Yorkshire, UK. k.schallreuter@bradford.ac.uk
Karin U
KU
Schallreuter
D001708:Biopterins / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000502:physiology; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000502:physiology; D019852:Diacylglycerol Kinase / Q000502:physiology; D006728:Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D015544:Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate / Q000502:physiology; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology*; D020460:Melanosomes / Q000502:physiology; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000502:physiology; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000502:physiology; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000502:physiology*; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000502:physiology
D006728:Hormones; D008543:Melanins; D001708:Biopterins; D000521:alpha-MSH; D015544:Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase; D019852:Diacylglycerol Kinase; C003402:sapropterin