The potential role of ubiquitination and deubiquitination in melanogenesis

Exp Dermatol. 2023 Dec;32(12):2062-2071. doi: 10.1111/exd.14953. Epub 2023 Oct 17.

Abstract

Melanogenesis is a critical biochemical process in which melanocytes produce melanin, a crucial element involved in the formation of coat colour in mammals. According to several earlier studies, melanocytes' post-translational modifications of proteins primarily control melanogenesis. Among the many post-translational changes that can affect melanin production, ubiquitination and deubiquitination can keep melanin production going by changing how proteins that are related to melanin are broken down or kept stable. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination maintain ubiquitin homeostasis, which is a highly dynamic process in balance under the action of E3 ubiquitin ligase and deubiquitinating enzymes. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying ubiquitination and deubiquitination in melanogenesis are yet to be thoroughly investigated. As a result, there has been a growing focus on exploring the potential correlation between melanogenesis, ubiquitination and deubiquitination. This study discusses the mechanisms of ubiquitination and deubiquitination in the context of melanogenesis, a crucial process for enhancing mammalian coat coloration and addressing pigment-related diseases.

Keywords: deubiquitination; melanocytes; melanogenesis; post-translational modification; ubiquitination.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Mammals
  • Melanins* / metabolism
  • Melanocytes / metabolism
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / genetics
  • Ubiquitination

Substances

  • Melanins
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases