Regulation of MITF-M-dependent genes involved in pigmentation

Genes involved in pigmentation and melanocyte structure and organization were among the first identified targets of MITF. Expression of enzymes TYR, DCT and TYRP1, which work sequentially to eventually convert tyrosine into eumelanin and pheomelanin, is regulated in part by the binding of MITF to M-boxes in the promoters (Bentley et al, 1994; Bertolotto et al, 1998; Yavuzer et al, 1995; reviewed in Cheli et al, 2010; Goding and Arnheiter, 2019). MITF additionally regulates the expression of structural components of the melanosome such as MLANA, SLC24A5, SILV and GPR143, although direct binding and regulation has not been demonstrated in all cases (Du et al, 2003; Cortese et al, 2005; Schiaffino and Tacchetti, 2005; reviewed in Cheli et al, 2010; Goding and Arnheiter, 2019). Genes encoding RAB27A and MYO5A, which regulate the localization and trafficking of melanosomes, are also targets of MITF (Chiaverini et al, 2008; Alves et al, 2017; reviewed in Cheli et al, 2010; Goding and Arnheiter, 2019).

Summary from Reactome (R-HSA-9824585), read 2026-09-23.