Melanocytes

Etymology
Melanocytes are so called because they are cell that produce the pigment
melanin, that gives brown to black color to the skin, (melano- = black, -cyte = cell).[1]

Origin and Structure

Melanocytes are branching cells derived from the embryonic stem
melanoblasts that originate from neural crest cells. Melanocytes in the skin are
found in two populations, those present at the dermal–epidermal junction, which
give rise to skin color, and those present in hair follicles, which give rise to hair. At
birth, melanocytes are in the epidermis and transfer melanosomes to keratinocytes.
These melanocytes remain in the basal layer of the epidermis, rarely dividing or
leaving the epidermis.[2] [3] The quantity of melanocytes per area of skin at various
body sites in the human varies and the average ranges from 800 to 1600/mm 2.[2] [3]

Fig1. Melanocyte cells in the epidermal tissue of human skin.[4]

Function
The most important feature of melanocytes is their ability to produce the
pigment melanin in membrane-bound organelles called melanosomes. The basis of
skin and hair pigmentation is active export of melanosomes through dendritic
processes to surrounding keratinocytes in the skin or to newly synthesized hair.[5]
Pathologies
Defects in pigmentation of melanocytes are associated with so many pathologies.
These defects include for example, Xeroderma pigmentosa that is linked to defects
in DNA repair process.[6]

1. Melanoma
It is an increasingly common cancer arising from UV-induced DNA damage.
Although it accounts for only 4 percent of all dermatological cancers, it is
responsible for 80 percent of deaths from skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation causes
genetic changes in the skin, Impairment in cutaneous immune function, increases
the local production of growth factors, and induces the formation of DNA-
damaging reactive oxygen species that affect keratinocytes and melanocytes.[7]

2. Vitiligo
It is an acquired skin disease caused by the disappearance of pigment cells from the
epidermis that gives rise to well outlined white patches. It is characterized by a
localized and progressive loss of pigment cells.[8]

Fig2. Vitiligo.[9]
 3. Albinism
It is characterized by the presence of melanocytes that either do not make
pigment or may have other problems in pigment production or melanosome
function.[10]

Fig3. Albinism.[11]

References
1. Melanocyte definition & meaning [Internet]. Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster; [cited
2021Dec31]. Available from: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melanocyte
2. Boissy RE. The melanocyte: its structure, function, and subpopulations in skin, eyes, and hair.
Dermatologic clinics. 1988 Apr 1;6(2):161-73.
3. Yamaguchi Y, Hearing VJ. Melanocyte Distribution and Function in Human Skin. InFrom
Melanocytes to Melanoma 2006 (pp. 101-115). Humana Press.
4. Setijanti HB, Rusmawati E, Fitria R, Erlina T, Adriany R. Development the Technique for the
Preparation and Characterization of Reconstructed Human Epidermis (RHE). InAlternatives to
Animal Testing 2019 (pp. 20-32). Springer, Singapore.
5. Goding CR. Melanocytes: the new Black. The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology.
2007 Jan 1;39(2):275-9.
6. Ibid.
7. Miller AJ, Mihm Jr MC. Melanoma. New England Journal of Medicine. 2006 Jul 6;355(1):51-65.
8. Njoo MD, Westerhof W. Vitiligo. American journal of clinical dermatology. 2001 Jun;2(3):167-81.
9. Ibid.
10. Goding CR. Melanocytes: the new Black. The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology.
2007 Jan 1;39(2):275-9.
11. Marçon CR, Maia M. Albinism: epidemiology, genetics, cutaneous characterization, psychosocial
factors☆☆☆. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia. 2019 Dec 9; 94:503-20.