Melanogenesis and its associated signalings

Abstract

Introduction: Melanogenesis is the mechanism of melanin formation in the skin or hair, which is produced by melanosomes in melanocytes. Melanin is the main coloring pigment of the skin, hair and eyes, and also functions as a photoprotection against ultra-violet (UV) exposure.Methods: A total 20 relevant literatures which focused on skin pigmentation and melanogenesis were used to construct this review. The articles were published from 1998-2018. Most of the literatures were basic research and the clinical information were extracted from their discussion.Result: The process of melanogenesis starts from the migrational process of melanoblasts which are precursors of melanocyte cells originating from the neural crest into the epidermal layer and hair follicles. Many factors play a role in melanogenis both intrinsically and extrinsically, the dominant intrinsic factor is Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone-α (α-MSH) while the extrinsic factor that plays a role is UV ray.Conclusion: Melanogenesis is a complex process which influenced by a wide array of internal and external factors with α-MSH and UV ray act as the main regulators. Due to delicate nature of this process, defect in a certain stage could result in significant medical condition.

Anti-Melanogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 2′-Hydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxychalcone in B16F10 and RAW264.7 Cells

“…The transcription factor MITF activates the expression of these melanogenic genes, inducing protein expression and regulating melanogenesis. Therefore, blocking MITF-related signaling pathways is considered an important strategy for developing melanogenesis inhibitors [ 54 , 55 , 56 ].…”

Baicalein Inhibits α-Melanocyte-stimulating Hormone-stimulated Melanogenesis via p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway in B16F10 Mouse Melanoma Cells

“…UV radiation exposure is considered to be the main cause of melanogenesis [ 3 ]. Furthermore, melanin is considered as the main determinant of hair, skin and eye colour, and has a vital function in protection against UV radiation [ 4 ]. However, it has been reported that UV radiation causes the overproduction of melanin, which leads to hyperpigmentation and other skin disorders such as ephelides (freckles), melasma, solar lentigines, pigmented acne scars, and cancer [ 5 - 7 ].…”