Melanocyte Pigmentation – Friend or Foe on the Route to Melanoma
June 2011
in “
InTech eBooks
”
TLDR Darker skin provides more protection against UV damage and cancer.
The document discussed the role of melanocytes in skin pigmentation and their potential link to melanoma. Melanocytes, which interact with keratinocytes, are responsible for melanin production, providing protection against UV radiation. The study highlighted that skin color differences are due to cellular activity rather than melanocyte numbers. It also noted that darker skin offers more protection against UV-induced damage and cancer. The document explored various theories on melanosome transfer to keratinocytes and mentioned that melanocyte alterations could lead to melanoma, a rapidly increasing cancer among Caucasians. Additionally, it described the functions of melanin, including photoprotection and free radical scavenging.