The metabolism of melanin synthesis—From melanocytes to melanoma

• Published in: Pigment cell and melanoma research Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 438 - 452
• Main Authors: Snyman, Marelize, Walsdorf, Rachel Elizabeth, Wix, Sophia Nicole, Gill, Jennifer Gibson
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.07.2024
• Subjects: Animals; cancer metabolism; Cytoplasm; Golgi apparatus; Humans; Melanin; Melanins - biosynthesis; Melanins - metabolism; Melanocytes; Melanocytes - metabolism; Melanocytes - pathology; melanogenesis; Melanoma; Melanoma - metabolism; Melanoma - pathology; Metabolic pathways; metabolism; Phenotypes; pigment; reactive oxygen species; Synthesis; tyrosine; cancer metabolism; melanin; reactive oxygen species; melanogenesis; melanoma; pigment; metabolism; tyrosine
• ISSN: 1755-1471; 1755-148X; 1755-148X
• DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13165

Melanin synthesis involves the successful coordination of metabolic pathways across multiple intracellular compartments including the melanosome, mitochondria, ER/Golgi, and cytoplasm. While pigment production offers a communal protection from UV damage, the process also requires anabolic and redox demands that must be carefully managed by melanocytes. In this report we provide an updated review on melanin metabolism, including recent data leveraging new techniques, and technologies in the field of metabolism. We also discuss the many aspects of melanin synthesis that intersect with metabolic pathways known to impact melanoma phenotypes and behavior. By reviewing the metabolism of melanin synthesis, we hope to highlight outstanding questions and opportunities for future research that could improve patient outcomes in pigmentary and oncologic disease settings. Melanin synthesis requires coordinated metabolism across the subcellular compartments within melanocytes. In this review, the metabolism of melanin synthesis is discussed in detail with special emphasis placed on the potential intersection with melanoma tumor biology.