MelanocyteDevelopmentandPigmentationPathway

Studies with homozygous knockout mice have suggested that stem cell factor (SCF or KITLG), c-Kit, microphthalmia (Mitf), and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) genes regulates melanocytic development. The SCF activation of Kit receptor leads to Mitf phosphorylation through MAP kinase pathway. The activated Mitf recruits p300 and up-regulates Bcl2 transcription, which plays an important role in modulating the development and survival of the melanocyte lineage.

Contributor: Joseph Chuang, PhD

REFERENCES: McGill GG et al. Bcl2 regulation by the melanocyte master regulator Mitf modulates lineage survival and melanoma cell viability. Cell. 2002 Jun 14;109(6):707-18. Price ER et al. Lineage-specific signaling in melanocytes. C-kit stimulation recruits p300/CBP to microphthalmia. J Biol Chem. 1998 Jul 17;273(29):17983-6. Weilbaecher KN et al. Linkage of M-CSF signaling to Mitf, TFE3, and the osteoclast defect in Mitf(mi/mi) mice. Mol Cell. 2001 Oct;8(4):749-58