Role of miRNAs in melanin metabolism: Implications in melanin-related diseases.

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short single-stranded non-coding RNAs that regulate degradation and expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) and play a wide range of key roles in different biological processes. They mediate different stages of melanocyte differentiation, growth, and apoptosis through a variety of pathways and can mediate melanin production by targeting key enzymes.

AIMS: This article was aimed to review the role of miRNAs in melanin metabolism and to introduce the role and significance of miRNAs in melanin-related diseases.

MATERIALS &

METHODS

Systematic search and retrospective review were performed on the published data.

RESULTS

This paper reviews the process of melanin synthesis and the regulatory mechanism, explores the miRNA expression profiles in different model organisms, and introduces the mechanisms of several key miRNAs participating in melanin metabolism through target genes. We also explore the potential role of miRNA as a new target for the treatment of melanin metabolism disease, including vitiligo, melanoma, and chloasma.

CONCLUSION

miRNAs play a key role in melanin-related diseases, and the miRNAs involved may be potential therapeutic targets.