Yaar M, Park HY, et al.
The Journal of investigative dermatology. Date of publication 2012 Mar 1;volume 132(3 Pt 2):835-45.
1. J Invest Dermatol. 2012 Mar;132(3 Pt 2):835-45. doi: 10.1038/jid.2011.386. Epub
2011 Dec 8.
Melanocytes: a window into the nervous system.
Yaar M(1), Park HY.
Author information:
(1)Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston,
Massachusetts 02118, USA.
Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells that originate from the dorsal portions
of the closing neural tube in vertebrate embryos. Similar to neurons, they are
derived from pluripotent neural crest cells that differentiate into numerous cell
lineages. The development of melanocytes and neurons, as well as their
differentiated function, within the mature tissue, is influenced by signaling
molecules produced by neighboring cells. The same signaling molecules that have a
role in the central and peripheral nervous tissue also have a role in cutaneous
melanocytes. These include Wnt, bone morphogenetic proteins, endothelins, steel
factor, hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factors, and neurotrophins.
Signaling pathways including PKC- and p53/p73-dependent pathways are also common
to melanocytes and neurons. The similarity between melanocytes and neurons
suggests that melanocytes could provide a valuable model for studies of diseases
that affect the nervous system, as well as for development of potential therapies
for these diseases.
DOI: 10.1038/jid.2011.386
PMID: 22158549 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
