Melanin: Biosynthesis, Functions and Health Effects

Human melanin is synthesised in melanosomes located in melanocytes of the skin, hair, eyes, and leptomeninges. Melanin not only determines skin colour, but also protects the skin from UV damage by absorbing UV light. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the biosynthesis, functions and health effects of melanin. Topics include melanogenesis and natural hypopigmentation agents; fungal melanins; the coat colour genes that regulate eumelanin and pheomelanin synthesis in melanocytes; the role of melanin production in gaeumannomyces graminis infection of cereal plants; and the occurrence and function of melanic pigmentation in ectothermic vertebrates.