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Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Quantification of Hypopigmentation Activity In Vitro
Published on: March 6, 2019
Melanogenesis and Hypopigmentation: The Case of Vitiligo
M Pilar Vinardell1, Adriana Solange Maddaleno1, Montserrat Mitjans1
1Department Biochemistry and Physiology of the Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
Melanocytes are highly specialized dendritic cells that synthesize and store melanin in subcellular organelles called melanosomes, before transfer to keratinocytes. Melanin is a complex pigment that provides colour and photoprotection to the skin, hair and eyes. The process of synthesis of melanin is called melanogenesis and is regulated by various mechanisms and factors such as genetic, environmental and endocrine factors. The knowledge of the pigmentation process is important to understand hypopigmentation disorders such as vitiligo and also to design adequate treatments. In the present work, we review the signalling pathways involved in vitiligo. Finally, current therapies and treatments including topical, oral and phototherapies are discussed and described, emphasizing future therapies based on different pigmentation mechanisms.
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