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Melanin (/ ˈ m ɛ l ə n ɪ n / ⓘ; from Ancient Greek μέλας (mélas) 'black, dark') is a family of biomolecules organized as oligomers or polymers, which among other functions provide the pigments of many organisms. [1] Melanin pigments are produced in a specialized group of cells known as melanocytes.
Vitiligo is a skin disease where people lack melanin in certain areas in the skin. People with oculocutaneous albinism typically have a very low level of melanin production. Albinism is often but not always related to the TYR gene coding the tyrosinase enzyme. Tyrosinase is required for melanocytes to produce melanin from the amino acid ...
The Raper–Mason (melanogenesis) pathway, depicting the steps in melanin synthesis [20]. DHI- 5,6 dihydroxyindole, DHICA - 5,6- dihydroxyphenylalanine, GGT - Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, GST - Glutathione-S-transferase; L-Dopa - Levo- Dopa, TRP-2 - Tyrosinase- related protein 2 A representative phylogenetic tree cladogram of tyrosinase proteins.
Tyrp1 is a melanocyte-specific gene product involved in melanin synthesis within melanosomes. [7] Most Tyrp1 possess 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (melanogenic intermediate) oxidase activity. [8] The catalytic function of Tyrp1 in human melanocytes is less clear.
Neuromelanin gives specific brain sections, such as the substantia nigra or the locus coeruleus, distinct color. It is a type of melanin and similar to other forms of peripheral melanin. It is insoluble in organic compounds, and can be labeled by silver staining. It is called neuromelanin because of its function and the color change that ...
A melanosome is an organelle found in animal cells and is the site for synthesis, storage and transport of melanin, the most common light-absorbing pigment found in the animal kingdom. Melanosomes are responsible for color and photoprotection in animal cells and tissues.
Phenylalanine is a precursor for tyrosine, the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline), and the biological pigment melanin. It is encoded by the messenger RNA codons UUU and UUC. Phenylalanine is found naturally in the milk of mammals.
The melanocyte-stimulating hormones, known collectively as MSH, also known as melanotropins or intermedins, are a family of peptide hormones and neuropeptides consisting of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (β-MSH), and γ-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (γ-MSH) that are produced by cells in the pars intermedia of the anterior lobe of the pituitary ...