Agouti-signaling protein; Involved in the regulation of melanogenesis. The binding of ASP to MC1R precludes alpha-MSH initiated signaling and thus blocks production of cAMP, leading to a down-regulation of eumelanogenesis (brown/black pigment) and thus increasing synthesis of pheomelanin (yellow/red pigment). In higher primates, agouti may affect the quality of hair pigmentation rather than its pattern of deposition. Could well play a role in neuroendocrine aspects of melanocortin action. May have some functional role in regulating the lipid metabolism with adipocytes.

E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase MGRN1; E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase. Mediates monoubiquitination at multiple sites of TSG101 in the presence of UBE2D1, but not of UBE2G1, nor UBE2H. Plays a role in the regulation of endosome-to-lysosome trafficking. Impairs MC1R- and MC4R-signaling by competing with GNAS- binding to MCRs and inhibiting agonist-induced cAMP production. Does not inhibit ADRB2-signaling. Does not promote MC1R ubiquitination. Acts also as a negative regulator of hedgehog signaling (By similarity).

Guanine nucleotide-binding protein G(s) subunit alpha isoforms XLas; Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) function as transducers in numerous signaling pathways controlled by G protein- coupled receptors (GPCRs). Signaling involves the activation of adenylyl cyclases, resulting in increased levels of the signaling molecule cAMP. GNAS functions downstream of several GPCRs, including beta-adrenergic receptors. XLas isoforms interact with the same set of receptors as GNAS isoforms (By similarity).

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.

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.

5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid oxidase; Plays a role in melanin biosynthesis. 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, but not in the presence of Zn(2+). May regulate or influence the type of melanin synthesized. Also to a lower extent, capable of hydroxylating tyrosine and producing melanin (By similarity).

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.

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 [...]