| Abstract: | Skin pigmentation is an important human phenotypic trait whose regulation, in spiteof recent advances, has not yet been fully understood. The pigment melanin isproduced in melanosomes by melanocytes in a complex process called melanogenesis. Themelanocyte interacts with endocrine, immune, inflammatory and central nervoussystems, and its activity is also regulated by extrinsic factors such as ultravioletradiation and drugs. We have carried out a review of the current understanding ofintrinsic and extrinsic factors regulating skin pigmentation, the melanogenesisstages and related gene defects. We focused on melanocyte-keratinocyte interaction,activation of melanocortin type 1 receptor (MC1-R) by peptides(melanocyte-stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone) resulting fromproopiomelanocortin (POMC) cleavage, and mechanisms of ultraviolet-induced skinpigmentation. The identification and comprehension of the melanogenesis mechanismfacilitate the understanding of the pathogenesis of pigmentation disorders and thedevelopment of potential therapeutic options. |
