P protein; Could be involved in the transport of tyrosine, the precursor to melanin synthesis, within the melanocyte. Regulates the pH of melanosome and the melanosome maturation. One of the components of the mammalian pigmentary system. Seems to regulate the post-translational processing of tyrosinase, which catalyzes the limiting reaction in melanin synthesis. May serve as a key control point at which ethnic skin color variation is determined. Major determinant of brown and/or blue eye color; Belongs to the CitM (TC 2.A.11) transporter family (838 aa)

Tyrosinase; This is a copper-containing oxidase that functions in the formation of pigments such as melanins and other polyphenolic compounds. Catalyzes the initial and rate limiting step in the cascade of reactions leading to melanin production from tyrosine. In addition to hydroxylating tyrosine to DOPA (3,4- dihydroxyphenylalanine), also catalyzes the oxidation of DOPA to DOPA-quinone, and possibly the oxidation of DHI (5,6- dihydroxyindole) to indole-5,6 quinone; Belongs to the tyrosinase family (529 aa)

5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid oxidase; Catalyzes the oxidation of 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2- carboxylic acid (DHICA) into indole-5,6-quinone-2-carboxylic acid in the presence of bound Cu(2+) ions. May regulate or influence the type of melanin synthesized. Also to a lower extent, capable of hydroxylating tyrosine and producing melanin (By similarity) (537 aa)

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor; Receptor for MSH (alpha, beta and gamma) and ACTH. The activity of this receptor is mediated by G proteins which activate adenylate cyclase; Belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor 1 family (317 aa)

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor; Transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes with essential roles in cell differentiation, proliferation and survival. Binds to M-boxes (5’-TCATGTG-3’) and symmetrical DNA sequences (E-boxes) (5’-CACGTG-3’) found in the promoters of target genes, such as BCL2 and tyrosinase (TYR). Plays an important role in melanocyte development by regulating the expression of tyrosinase (TYR) and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1). Plays a critical role in the differentiation of various cell types, such as neural crest-derived melanocyt [...] (520 aa)

Melanocyte protein PMEL; Plays a central role in the biogenesis of melanosomes. Involved in the maturation of melanosomes from stage I to II. The transition from stage I melanosomes to stage II melanosomes involves an elongation of the vesicle, and the appearance within of distinct fibrillar structures. Release of the soluble form, ME20-S, could protect tumor cells from antibody mediated immunity (668 aa)

Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 27; Receptor for EDA isoform A2, but not for EDA isoform A1. Mediates the activation of the NF-kappa-B and JNK pathways. Activation seems to be mediated by binding to TRAF3 and TRAF6; Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (318 aa)

Exocyst complex component 2; Component of the exocyst complex involved in the docking of exocytic vesicles with fusion sites on the plasma membrane; Belongs to the SEC5 family (924 aa)