Melanin

Melanin Latest News

Melanin tells the tale of how our ancestors survived from the Sun’s heavy UV rays 50000 years back.

About Melanin

• Melanin is a natural pigment found in most living organisms. 
• It is present in human and animal skin to varying degrees, and is responsible for your unique eye, hair and skin color.
• Melanin is produced within special structures called melanosomes. Melanosomes are found inside melanin-producing pigment cells called melanocytes.

‹ ›

Types of Melanin

• Eumelanin: It is responsible for brown and black shades of hair, skin, and eyes.
• Pheomelanin: It produces red or yellow hues — more common in people with red hair or lighter skin.
• Neuromelanin: It is found in the brain, and develops from the oxidation of dopamine (a feel good chemical) and noradrenaline (a fight-or-flight hormone)

Melanin-Related Skin Conditions

• Vitiligo: It is a condition where the skin loses its pigment-producing cells, leading to white patches.
• Albinism:  It is a genetic mutation that prevents melanin production, resulting in pale skin, hair, and eyes.
• Hyperpigmentation: Excess melanin causes darker spots or patches, often due to sun exposure or hormones.

Role of Melanin

• Biological Shield: It acts as a biological shield, absorbing harmful ultraviolet rays and thereby protecting the skin from potential skin cancers like melanoma, and various carcinomas
• Camouflage and Survival: It helps animals to blend in with their environment via camouflage. This ability is very crucial for both predator and prey.
• Thermoregulation:  It also helps in thermoregulation, controlling heat loss and generation through mechanisms like sweating.

Source: TH