Illuminating insights into opsin 3 function in the skin

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2019Source: Advances in Biological RegulationAuthor(s): Lauren E. Olinski, Erica M. Lin, Elena OanceaABSTRACTBecause sunlight is essential for human survival, we have developed complex mechanisms for detecting and responding to light stimuli. The eyes and skin are major organs for sensing light and express several light-sensitive opsin receptors. These opsins mediate cellular responses to spectrally-distinct wavelengths of visible and ultraviolet light. How the eyes mediate visual phototransduction is well studied, but less is known about how the skin detects light. Both human and murine skin express a wide array of opsins, with one of the most highly expressed being the functionally elusive opsin 3 (OPN3). In this review we explore light reception, opsin expression and signaling in skin cells; and compile data elucidating potential functions for human OPN3 in skin, with emphasis on recent studies investigating OPN3 regulation of melanin within epidermal melanocytes.

Source: Advances in Biological Regulation - October 9, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research