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Updated: Sep 16, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Signaling pathways mediating melanogenesis
1Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118-2394, USA. hypark@bu.edu
Abstract:
Pigmentation of the skin, due to the synthesis and dispersion of melanin in the epidermis, is of great cosmetic and societal significance. It is also the key physiologic defense against sun-induced injuries such as sunburn, photocarcinogenesis and photoaging. During recent decades, there has been a dramatic increase in skin cancers, including melanoma, due to habitual sun exposure (Rigel, 1992; Weinstock, 1989). At present, in the United States, about one in 75 individuals is projected to develop malignant melanoma during his or her lifetime (Rigel, 1992). Unfortunately, progress in preventing sun-related injuries has been slow, in part due to lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in pigmentation. This article reviews recent progress in identifying signal transduction pathways that mediate melanogenesis.
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