Figure 2.

The Non-classical Function of Melanocytes and Their Role in Systemic Homeostasis. The skin melanocytes are empowered with sensory and computing capabilities and have a complex functional network, including ectopic light perception, neuroendocrine interaction, immune defense, and peripheral circadian rhythm to counteract environmental stressors and maintain local homeostasis. These complex functional systems maintain global homeostasis by communicating bidirectionally with the nervous and endocrine systems. Overloaded stressors, such as prolonged exposure to psychosocial stress and environmental stress, ultimately lead to imbalanced regulation, such as rhythm disturbances and endocrine disorders, and lead to the onset of disease. Thus, a more in-depth understanding of these relationships in future studies will pave a bright path for the management of melanoma, mood disorders, and metabolic disorders. The figure was created using BioRender.