Chem. J. Chinese Universities ›› 2021, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (11): 3357.doi: 10.7503/cjcu20210410

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Synthesis of Melanin and Its Function Regulation by Small Molecules

PENG Haiyue1,3, WANG Ting1,2, LI Guorui1,2, HUANG Jing1,2()   

  1. 1.Institute of Chemical Biology and Nanomedicine(ICBN),State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics
    2.College of Biology
    3.College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,Hunan University,Changsha 410082,China
  • Received:2021-06-17 Online:2021-11-10 Published:2021-11-10
  • Contact: HUANG Jing E-mail:huangjing16@hnu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    the Science and Technology Project of Hunan Province, China(2018JJ3030);the Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province, China(2018RS3060)

Abstract:

Melanin, as a natural pigment, can be roughly classified into eumelanin and pheomelanin. They are widely found in microorganisms, animals and plants, and have functions of radical scavenging, radiation protection and thermal regulation. In humans, melanin is responsible for the color of skin, hair and eyes, and plays an important role in protecting skin from harmful damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Abnormal functioning of melanocytes can lead to a range of skin problems, such as melanoma, vitiligo and other diseases. Therefore, regulating the synthesis of melanin is a significant strategy for pigmentation-related disease therapy. Melanogenesis is a catalytic and chemical process that involves many enzymes such as tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related proteins. It’s an effective way to regulate the synthesis of melanin by changing tyrosinase activity and expression. In living organisms, melanin is biosynthesized. Because of its unique function, some artificial chemical synthesis methods of melanin have been also developed. In terms of small molecules regulating melanin function, many small molecules that inhibit melanin formation have been found. They have opened new minds for the treatment of melanin-related diseases. In this review, we discussed the biosynthesis and artificial synthesis process of melanin, its inhibition and regulation mechanisms by small molecule. It might provide a theoretical basis for the development of safe and efficient melanin-related drugs.

Key words: Melanogenesis, Functional regulation, Inhibition mechanism, Oxidative stress

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