Molecular Regulation of Melanin Formation: Melanosome Transporter Proteins

Brilliant, Murray H.

doi:10.1002/9780470987100.ch12

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…A number of structural proteins and enzymes are involved in the biogenesis of melanin (Brilliant 2006; Hearing 2006; Solano and Garcia-Borron, 2006; Takeda and Shibahara, 2006). …”

Section: Definition Classification and Basic Physicochemical Propmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interactions of iron, dopamine and neuromelanin pathways in brain aging and Parkinson's disease

Zucca

Segura‐Aguilar

Ferrari

et al. 2017

Progress in Neurobiology

545

482

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There are several interrelated mechanisms involving iron, dopamine, and neuromelanin in neurons. Neuromelanin accumulates during aging and is the catecholamine-derived pigment of the dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra and norepinephrine neurons of the locus coeruleus, the two neuronal populations most targeted in Parkinson’s disease. Many cellular redox reactions rely on iron, however an altered distribution of reactive iron is cytotoxic. In fact, increased levels of iron in the brain of Parkinson’s disease patients are present. Dopamine accumulation can induce neuronal death; however, excess dopamine can be removed by converting it into a stable compound like neuromelanin, and this process rescues the cell. Interestingly, the main iron compound in dopamine and norepinephrine neurons is the neuromelanin-iron complex, since neuromelanin is an effective metal chelator. Neuromelanin serves to trap iron and provide neuronal protection from oxidative stress. This equilibrium between iron, dopamine, and neuromelanin is crucial for cell homeostasis and in some cellular circumstances can be disrupted. Indeed, when neuromelanin-containing organelles accumulate high load of toxins and iron during aging a neurodegenerative process can be triggered. In addition, neuromelanin released by degenerating neurons activates microglia and the latter cause neurons death with further release of neuromelanin, then starting a self-propelling mechanism of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Considering the above issues, age-related accumulation of neuromelanin in dopamine neurons shows an interesting link between aging and neurodegeneration.

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“…A number of structural proteins and enzymes are involved in the biogenesis of melanin (Brilliant 2006; Hearing 2006; Solano and Garcia-Borron, 2006; Takeda and Shibahara, 2006). …”

Section: Definition Classification and Basic Physicochemical Propmentioning

confidence: 99%