Abstract
Skin complexion is among the most recognizable phenotypes between individuals and is mainly determined by the amount and type of melanin pigment deposited in the epidermis. Persons with dark skin complexion have more of a brown/black pigment known as eumelanin in their epidermis whereas those with fair skin complexions have less. Epidermal eumelanin acts as a natural sunblock by preventing incoming UV photons from penetrating into the skin and therefore protects against UV mutagenesis. By understanding the signaling pathways and regulation of pigmentation, strategies can be developed to manipulate skin pigmentation to improve UV resistance and to diminish skin cancer risk.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 777-785 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2021 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Keywords
- cAMP
- melanin
- melanocortin 1 receptor
- melanocyte
- pigmentation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Dermatology
- Oncology