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Epigenetic regulation during melanocyte development and homeostasis
Author(s) -
Dilshat Ramile,
Vu Hong Nhung,
Steingrímsson Eiríkur
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0625
pISSN - 0906-6705
DOI - 10.1111/exd.14391
Subject(s) - epigenetics , melanocyte , neural crest , biology , transcription factor , microbiology and biotechnology , histone , regulation of gene expression , cellular differentiation , epigenesis , gene expression , cell growth , transcriptional regulation , genetics , gene , dna methylation , melanoma , embryo
Abstract Melanocytes originate in the neural crest as precursor cells which then migrate and proliferate to reach their destination where they differentiate into pigment‐producing cells. Melanocytes not only determine the colour of hair, skin and eyes but also protect against the harmful effects of UV irradiation. The establishment of the melanocyte lineage is regulated by a defined set of transcription factors and signalling pathways that direct the specific gene expression programmes underpinning melanoblast specification, survival, migration, proliferation and differentiation. In addition, epigenetic modifiers and replacement histones play key roles in regulating gene expression and its timing during the different steps of this process. Here, we discuss the evidence for the role of epigenetic regulators in melanocyte development and function and how they interact with transcription factors and signalling pathways to establish and maintain this important cell lineage.