Molecular Structure Could Help Explain Albinism, Melanoma
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 00:22
in Biology & Nature
Scientists have long known that members of the phenoloxidase family are involved in skin and hair coloring. When they are mutated, they can cause albinism. Produced over abundantly, they are associated with melanoma. Researchers can now explain how hemocyanin is activated -- a finding that could lead to a better understanding of both ends of the skin and hair color spectrum.