Evolutionary and biomedical consequences of internal melanins.

Details

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State: Public
Version: Final published version
Serval ID
serval:BIB_5FE774D78F6D
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Publication sub-type
Review (review): journal as complete as possible of one specific subject, written based on exhaustive analyses from published work.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Evolutionary and biomedical consequences of internal melanins.
Journal
Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research
Author(s)
Dubey S., Roulin A.
ISSN
1755-148X (Electronic)
ISSN-L
1755-1471
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2014
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
27
Number
3
Pages
327-338
Language
english
Abstract
The adaptive function of melanin located in the integument is well known. Although pigments are also deposited in various internal organs, their function is unclear. A review of the literature revealed that 'internal melanin' protects against parasites, pollutants, low temperature, oxidative stress, hypoxemia and UV light, and is involved in the development and function of organs. Importantly, several studies have shown that the amount of melanin deposited on the external body surface is correlated with the amount located inside the body. This finding raises the possibility that internal melanin plays more important physiological roles in dark than light-colored individuals. Internal melanin and coloration may therefore not evolve independently. This further emphasizes the major role played by indirect selection in evolutionary processes.
Keywords
melanin, neuromelanin, melanocyte, coloration, oxidative stress, pollutant, parasite
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
06/02/2014 16:31
Last modification date
20/08/2019 14:17
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