melanin metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving melanins, pigments largely of animal origin. High molecular weight polymers of indole quinone, they are irregular polymeric structures and are divided into three groups: allomelanins in the plant kingdom and eumelanins and phaeomelanins in the animal kingdom. [GOC:go_curators]

Melanin metabolic process is a complex and multifaceted pathway responsible for the production, processing, and degradation of melanin pigments. Melanin pigments are responsible for the color of skin, hair, and eyes in humans and other animals. The process begins with the conversion of the amino acid tyrosine to dopaquinone, a key intermediate in melanin synthesis. Dopaquinone can be further processed through two main pathways: the eumelanin pathway and the pheomelanin pathway. The eumelanin pathway produces brown to black pigments, while the pheomelanin pathway produces yellow to red pigments. Eumelanin synthesis involves the polymerization of dopaquinone and its derivatives, forming complex, highly polymerized structures. Pheomelanin synthesis involves the reaction of dopaquinone with cysteine, resulting in the formation of a different type of polymer. The relative activity of these two pathways determines the final color of the pigment. The melanin metabolic process is tightly regulated by a number of factors, including genetics, hormones, and environmental factors. For instance, exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) can stimulate melanogenesis, the process of melanin production. Melanin plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from UV damage, and mutations in genes involved in melanin metabolism can lead to a variety of skin disorders, including albinism and melanoma.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (30)