Metabolism, Synthesis and Function of Melatonin
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 201
Special Issue Editor
Interests: dermato-endocrinology; melanoma; melanogenesis; human skin; photobiology; cutaneous cells; mitochondria; oxidative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indole produced mainly by the pineal gland but in peripheral organs as well. Not only melatonin itself but also its metabolites are widely detected in almost all biological systems including animals, plants, and microbes. Thus, high concentrations of this indoleamine are found in various tissues and cells, including bone marrow, lymphocytes, retina, thymus, oocytes, follicular fluid, and skin. Although it is differentially distributed in subcellular organelles due to its amphiphilic character, its highest concentration is detected mitochondria. This highly lipophilic molecule easily penetrates cellular membranes protecting proteins, enzymes, mitochondria, lipids, and DNA against oxidative damage. Melatonin is well-described as a neuroendocrine mediator with pleiotropic bioactivities such as neurotransmitter, hormonal, immunomodulator, and biological modifier actions. In clinical studies, melatonin was also shown to suppress environmentally induced erythema of skin. Namely, it exhibits the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially quenching hydroxyl radicals; additionally, it influences immune functions and anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities.
This Special Issue provides insights and knowledge underlying melatonin’s synthesis and function as well as components involved in mammalian cells’ melatonin metabolism.
Dr. Konrad Kleszczyński
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- melatonin
- metabolites of melatonin
- skin diseases
- treatment
- mitochondria
- oxidative stress
- cell signaling
- photobiology
