Role of Dermal Factors Involved in Regulating the Melanin and Melanogenesis of Mammalian Melanocytes in Normal and Abnormal Skin

The review article highlights the significant role of dermal factors in regulating melanin production and melanogenesis in mammalian melanocytes under both normal and abnormal skin conditions. It emphasizes the influence of soluble factors like growth factors and cytokines (e.g., KGF, IL-1α, NRG-1, PTN, sFRP-2, DKK-1) and insoluble components such as collagen and elastin fibers. These factors affect melanogenesis through various signaling pathways, with some promoting (e.g., α-MSH, NGF, ET-1) and others inhibiting (e.g., DKK-1, PTN, TGF-β1) melanin production. The review underscores the need for further research to fully understand the impact of these dermal-derived factors on skin pigmentation and their potential as therapeutic targets for pigmentation disorders.