Year: 2010
Type: review
Abstract: Melanin production is the primary mechanism protecting human skin against the UV light-induced damage. The polymeric compound melanin is synthesized within melanocytes in the specialized subcellular organelles, termed melanosomes, which are then transferred to surrounding keratinocytes. The genes for melanin synthesis and deposition are coordinately expressed in melanocytes. The transcription factor MITF, which has been reported to activate more than 25 genes in pigment cells, has emerged as an essential regulator not only for melanocyte development, proliferation and survival, but also for the expression of enzymes and structural proteins ensuring the production of melanin. MITF is a transcriptional activator of several genes which encode melanosome-localized proteins involved both in melanin synthesis and in melanosome biogenesis and transport, including genes whose mutations are associated with human oculocutaneous and ocular forms of albinism. Here, we outline the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of genes associated with the biosynthesis of melanin in melanocytes and melanoma cells. MITF is crucial in this process, while several other factors seem to have only an auxiliary role to play under specific circumstances.
Source: Experimental Dermatology
Authors: Jiri Vachtenheim, Jan Borovanský
Institution: Charles University
Language: English
Subfield: Cell Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Award: G2202963360
OpenAlex ID: W1657719429