A review of recent advances on the regulation of pigmentation in the human epidermis.

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Schallreuter KU

A review of recent advances on the regulation of pigmentation in the human epidermis.

Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 1999 Nov;45(7):943-9.

PubMed ID

10643998 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

It has been recognised that the active transport of L-phenylalanine and its autocrine turnover to L-tyrosine via phenylalanine hydroxylase in the cytosol of epidermal melanocytes provides the majority of the L-tyrosine pool for melanogenesis. In this context, it has been shown that the cofactor 6(R)-L-erythro 5,6,7,8 tetrahydrobiopterin (6BH4) is produced de novo, recycled and regulated in both epidermal melanocytes and keratinocytes to control tyrosine hydroxylase, phenylalanine hydroxylase and tyrosinase activity. Inhibition of the enzymes by excessive 6BH4 levels is reversible with alpha-MSH by specific complex formation between 6BH4 and the hormone. This direct mechanism of alpha-MSH is supported by the presence of the entire POMC processing system in the melanosome indicating a receptor independent control of eumelanogenesis. Finally, the role of tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP2 is discussed in association with oxidative stress specifically related to hydrogen peroxide. These recent findings are based on detailed investigations of the depigmentation disorder vitiligo and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Sapropterin	Tyrosine 3-monooxygenase	Protein	Humans	Yes	Cofactor	Details