More than 127 loci are actually known to affect pigmentation in mouse when they are mutated. From embryogenesis to transfer of melanin to the keratinocytes or melanocytes survival, any defect is able to alter the pigmentation process. Many gene mutations are now described, but the function of their product protein and their implication in melanogenesis are only partially understood. Each geneti...

For centuries skin pigmentation has played a major societal role, and genetic disorders of skin pigmentation have always evoked the curiosity of both laypersons and physicians. Normal skin pigmentation is a complex process that begins with the synthesis of melanin within the melanocytes, followed by its transfer to neighboring keratinocytes where it is translocated to the upper pole of the nucl...

Skin pigmentation is one of the most strikingly variable phenotypes in humans, therefore making cutaneous pigmentation disorders frequent symptoms manifesting in a multitude of forms. The most common among them include lentigines, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark eye circles, and melasma. Variability of skin tones throughout the world is well-documented, some skin tones being reported a...

we describe a 69-year-old-woman with antecedent of breast cancer and recent transitory neurological symptoms. physical examination showed yellow to orange skin pigmentation, more conspicuous on her palms and soles, while discoloration changes were absent in the eye and oral mucous membranes. routine laboratory findings were not indicative of hemolytic anemia, liver or bile disorders, nephrotic ...

Agents that give rise to skin color are skin thickness, the skin’s light refraction and absorption properties, vascular status, levels of oxidized and reduced hemoglobin, carotenoid content and, most importantly, the pigment melanin. Melanocytes, cells responsible for pigment formation, are present in the basal layer. Melanocytes are most concentrated in the central part of the face and most sp...

Reticulated pigmentation is a unique pigmentary change caused by a heterogeneous group of hereditary and acquired disorders. This pigmentation is characterized by a mottled appearance, with lesions that vary in size and pigmentary content. This review discusses the hereditary group of the reticulated pigmentation disorders, such as dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria, dyschromatosis universal...

Variation in human skin and hair color is the most notable aspect of human variability and several studies in evolution, genetics and developmental biology contributed to explain the mechanisms underlying human skin pigmentation, which is responsible for differences in skin color across the world's populations. Despite skin pigmentation is primarily related to melanocytes functionality, the sur...