FROM GENE TO PROTEIN - DETERMINATION OF MELANIN SYNTHESIS

Melanin production in mammals is regulated at a variety of levels (tis sue, cellular, and subcellular), and many gene loci are involved in th e determination of color patterns directed by the melanocyte. Many of the genes involved in these complex processes have now been cloned, an d even the simplest mutation can lead to dramatic changes in the pheno type of the individual. Many, if not all, of the pigment related genes have pleiotropic effects on the development and differentiation of th e organism, and perhaps because of this, the melanocyte is evolving as an important model for the study of gene regulation and action at the functional level. In view of the importance of pigmentation as a phot oprotective barrier and as a cosmetic factor affecting appearance and social acceptance, the importance of these studies seems destined to i ncrease significantly in the future.