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

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)

G-protein coupled receptor 143; Receptor for tyrosine, L-DOPA and dopamine. After binding to L-DOPA, stimulates Ca(2+) influx into the cytoplasm, increases secretion of the neurotrophic factor SERPINF1 and relocalizes beta arrestin at the plasma membrane; this ligand- dependent signaling occurs through a G(q)-mediated pathway in melanocytic cells. Its activity is mediated by G proteins which activate the phosphoinositide signaling pathway. Plays also a role as an intracellular G protein-coupled receptor involved in melanosome biogenesis, organization and transport; 7TM orphan receptors

L-dopachrome tautomerase; Catalyzes the conversion of L-dopachrome into 5,6- dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA). Involved in regulating eumelanin and phaeomelanin levels; Belongs to the tyrosinase family

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 [...]

Major histocompatibility complex, class ii, dr alpha; HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, DR alpha chain; Binds peptides derived from antigens that access the endocytic route of antigen presenting cells (APC) and presents them on the cell surface for recognition by the CD4 T-cells. The peptide binding cleft accommodates peptides of 10-30 residues. The peptides presented by MHC class II molecules are generated mostly by degradation of proteins that access the endocytic route, where they are processed by lysosomal proteases and other hydrolases. Exogenous antigens that have been end [...]

T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8 alpha chain; Integral membrane glycoprotein that plays an essential role in the immune response and serves multiple functions in responses against both external and internal offenses. In T-cells, functions primarily as a coreceptor for MHC class I molecule:peptide complex. The antigens presented by class I peptides are derived from cytosolic proteins while class II derived from extracellular proteins. Interacts simultaneously with the T-cell receptor (TCR) and the MHC class I proteins presented by antigen presenting cells (APCs). In turn, recruits the Sr [...]

Melanoma antigen family D, 4B; May enhance ubiquitin ligase activity of RING-type zinc finger-containing E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases. Proposed to act through recruitment and/or stabilization of the Ubl-conjugating enzyme (E2) at the E3:substrate complex; MAGE family

Melanoma-associated antigen D4; May enhance ubiquitin ligase activity of RING-type zinc finger-containing E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases. Proposed to act through recruitment and/or stabilization of the Ubl-conjugating enzyme (E2) at the E3:substrate complex; MAGE family