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)

Short transient receptor potential channel 1; Thought to form a receptor-activated non-selective calcium permeant cation channel. Probably is operated by a phosphatidylinositol second messenger system activated by receptor tyrosine kinases or G-protein coupled receptors. Seems to be also activated by intracellular calcium store depletion; Transient receptor potential cation channels (793 aa)

Melanoma antigen recognized by T-cells 1; Involved in melanosome biogenesis by ensuring the stability of GPR143. Plays a vital role in the expression, stability, trafficking, and processing of melanocyte protein PMEL, which is critical to the formation of stage II melanosomes (118 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)

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)

Membrane-associated transporter protein; Melanocyte differentiation antigen. May transport substances required for melanin biosynthesis (By similarity); Belongs to the glycoside-pentoside-hexuronide (GPH) cation symporter transporter (TC 2.A.2) family (530 aa)

Sodium/potassium/calcium exchanger 5; Cation exchanger involved in pigmentation, possibly by participating in ion transport in melanosomes. Predominant sodium- Calcium exchanger in melanocytes. Probably transports 1 Ca(2+) and 1 K(+) to the melanosome in exchange for 4 cytoplasmic Na(+); Belongs to the Ca(2+)-cation antiporter (CaCA) (TC 2.A.19) family. SLC24A subfamily (500 aa)

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)