MC1R Functions, Expression, and Implications for Targeted Therapy
- J Invest Dermatol. 2022 Feb;142(2):293-302.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.06.018.
Affiliations
- 1. Dermatology Unit, Surgical, Medical and Dental Department of Morphological Sciences Related to Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].
- 2. Molecular Biology Section, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
- 3. Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
PMID: 34362555
DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.06.018
Abstract
The G protein-coupled MC1R is expressed in melanocytes and has a pivotal role in human skin pigmentation, with reduced function in human genetic variants exhibiting a red hair phenotype and increased melanoma predisposition. Beyond its role in pigmentation, MC1R is increasingly recognized as promoting UV-induced DNA damage repair. Consequently, there is mounting interest in targeting MC1R for therapeutic benefit. However, whether MC1R expression is restricted to melanocytes or is more widely expressed remains a matter of debate. In this paper, we review MC1R function and highlight that unbiased analysis suggests that its expression is restricted to melanocytes, granulocytes, and the brain.