The pigment system is fundamental for the survival and adaptation of diverse organisms, by facilitating their response to both internal and external stimuli. Although chromatic adaptation and color patterns are phenomena that occur within the organism, they are dependent on complex processes at the cell and molecular levels.
Pigments are stored in organelles, the so-called chromatossomes present in the cytoplasm of chromatophores. Most crustaceans, cephalopods and ectothermic vertebrates present various types of chromatophores that are capable of adjusting the animal's color in distinct situations. On the other hand, birds and mammals present only one type of pigment cell, denominated melanocyte. The pigment produced, either melanin or pheomelanin, is transferred to the epidermic appendix.
Various hormones and neurotransmitters, such as the melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), the melanin concentrating hormone (MCH, MCH-like), catecholamines and melatonin, are known for regulating pigment cell response and/ or pigment synthesis. The participation of others, such as endothelins, is only recent knowledge. On linking with their respective transmembranous receptors, a cascade of intracellular events is unleashed, which results in pigment-granule migration or synthesis.
Although a long-time topic of investigation, color change presents numerous aspects that require further analysis. This Research Topic will present recent advances in the biology of pigment cells, with emphasis on hormones and physiological cellular signaling.
The pigment system is fundamental for the survival and adaptation of diverse organisms, by facilitating their response to both internal and external stimuli. Although chromatic adaptation and color patterns are phenomena that occur within the organism, they are dependent on complex processes at the cell and molecular levels.
Pigments are stored in organelles, the so-called chromatossomes present in the cytoplasm of chromatophores. Most crustaceans, cephalopods and ectothermic vertebrates present various types of chromatophores that are capable of adjusting the animal's color in distinct situations. On the other hand, birds and mammals present only one type of pigment cell, denominated melanocyte. The pigment produced, either melanin or pheomelanin, is transferred to the epidermic appendix.
Various hormones and neurotransmitters, such as the melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), the melanin concentrating hormone (MCH, MCH-like), catecholamines and melatonin, are known for regulating pigment cell response and/ or pigment synthesis. The participation of others, such as endothelins, is only recent knowledge. On linking with their respective transmembranous receptors, a cascade of intracellular events is unleashed, which results in pigment-granule migration or synthesis.
Although a long-time topic of investigation, color change presents numerous aspects that require further analysis. This Research Topic will present recent advances in the biology of pigment cells, with emphasis on hormones and physiological cellular signaling.
