Figure 1.

Signaling pathways that induce melanogenesis. Three representative signaling pathways, including MC1R-mediated signaling, SCF/c-KIT signaling, and Wnt signaling, are involved in melanogenesis. Expression and activation of MITF induce the expression of various proteins that play important roles in the formation and maturation of melanosomes as well as melanin synthesis. The continuous reaction of enzymatic proteins (e.g., TYR and TRP-1/2) and structural proteins (e.g., Pmel17) leads to melanogenesis in melanosomes wherein melanin pigments are synthesized and stored. DVL, Disheveled; Go/Gq, main families of G proteins.