melanosome

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melanosome

(ˈmɛlənəʊˌsəʊm)
n
(Physiology) an organelle within a melanocyte that contains melanin
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
References in periodicals archive
It has been proposed that the hypopigmentation is caused by decreased melanin production and altered melanosome dispersal in reaction to Propionibacterium acnes.
These mutations affect melanosome formation and cellular trafficking in other organs and also lead to oculocutaneous albinism, neutropenia, pulmonary fibrosis, and granulomatous colitis.
Animal studies have demonstrated a role of melanosome function in the disease mechanism, but the precise pathogenic role of these genes in humans remains to be determined.
Differences in the melanosome distribution within the epidermal melanin units and its association with the impairing background of leukoderma in vitiligo and halo nevi: A retrospective study.
showed that QS 1064 Nd:YAG laser destroyed melanosome pigments with no change in the melanocytes number.
A possible dysfunction of melanosome transfer in leprosy: an electron-microscopic study.
They can be hereditary or acquired and have many causes, including abnormalities in melanoblast migration, melanosome development or transfer, changes in the numbers of melanocytes, or defects in melanin synthesis [1, 2].
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