Model: KC Dsg1 regulates the epidermal microenvironment and MC behavior. KCs (pink) and MCs (brown) in the skin communicate with each other through both direct contact and paracrine signaling. Reduction in the expression of KC Dsg1 initiates a signaling cascade (may include any receptor tyrosine kinase, [RTK], EGFR, NFkB, Stat3) that alters the production of paracrine factors including IL6, IL8, CXCL1, and a melanogenesis-stimulating factor that affects the signaling, morphology, pigment secretion, and localization of neighboring MCs