Epigenetic modulators of melanogenesis: the role of environment, lifestyle, and stress

Abstract

Abstract Melanogenesis is the process through which a pigment called melanin is produced by melanocytes in melanosomes. Increased or decreased production of melanin through melanogenesis can lead to pigmentation diseases, namely, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Melanogenesis is controlled by various elements, including genetics, environmental factors, and epigenetic changes. Environmental and genetic factors such as UV radiation, chemical exposure, and hormonal changes can lead to epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, noncoding RNA regulation, chromatin remodelling, and m6A RNA methylation, thereby modulating the expression of melanogenesis-associated genes. This review synthesizes current evidence on how environmental and lifestyle factors regulate melanogenesis through epigenetic mechanisms, highlights recent advances, and discusses their implications for understanding pigmentary disorders and developing targeted dermatological therapies.