Melanocyte Physiology and Biosignaling

The video tutorial covers the function of melanocytes, cells responsible for melanin production, which protects DNA from UV light. It explains the role of alpha-MSH in activating melanocytes through G protein-coupled receptors, leading to adenylate cyclase activation and cyclic AMP production. This biochemical pathway involves protein kinase A and transcription factors like CREB, MITF, and P300, which regulate melanin synthesis and cell survival. The video also discusses melanosomes, the organelles where melanin is synthesized, and the types of melanin, eumelanin and pheomelanin, produced in different melanosomes.

What is the significance of the transcription factor CREB in melanocyte function?

Explain the role of BCL-2 in melanocyte survival.

What are melanosomes and what is their function?

How do dendrites of melanocytes contribute to the transfer of melanin?