Melanocyte biology and melanogenesis: what's new?

New genes regulating melanocyte biology and melanogenesis have been identif ied. Furthermore, the dissection of the cell signalling pathways involved i n the control of melanogenesis is on the way. These advances have provided the bulk of new information that should lead to an improvement of our thera peutic armamentarium to treat melanin pigmentary disorders. In recent years , there have been few drugs for pigmentary disorders that have reached the clinic, Recent progress in this held has provided an impressive list of pot ential targets for pharmacological intervention on melanocytes and melanoge nesis. Given the role of melanocytes and melanins in the natural photoprote ction of the skin, a better understanding of the mechanisms controlling mel anogenesis should lead to new and safe strategies to correct abnormal skin colour and to improve the skin's defence against the deleterious effects of chronic and excessive exposure to sunlight. This review describes the rece nt developments in melanocyte biology and melanogenesis, as well as possibl e implications for future therapeutic strategies.