Interplay of Light, Melatonin, and Circadian Genes in Skin Pigmentation Regulation.

ABSTRACT: Circadian regulation of skin pigmentation is essential for thermoregulation, ultraviolet (UV) protection, and synchronization of skin cell renewal. This regulation involves both cell-autonomous photic responses and non-cell-autonomous hormonal control, particularly through melatonin produced in a light-sensitive manner. Photosensitive opsins, cryptochromes, and melatonin regulate circadian rhythms in skin pigment cells. We studied light/dark cycles and melatonin coordination in melanin synthesis and cell proliferation of Xenopus laevis melanophores. In vivo, tadpole pigmentation shows robust circadian regulation mainly hormone-driven, in that isolated melanophores respond strongly to melatonin but only slightly to light. Melanophore proliferation is faster in the dark and slower with melat

SUBMITTER: Bertolesi GE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11742648 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature