Melan-A

Melan-A (also known as Melanoma Antigen Recognized by T cells 1 or MART-1) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MLANA gene. It is an antigen found on the surface of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. Melan-A is often used as a biomarker in the diagnosis of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Function

Melan-A is involved in the process of melanogenesis, the production of melanin. It is believed to play a role in the maturation of melanosomes, the organelles where melanin is synthesized and stored. Melan-A is also involved in the immune response to melanoma, as it is one of the antigens recognized by T cells in their attack on cancer cells.

Clinical significance

Melan-A is used as a diagnostic marker in the identification of melanoma. It is expressed in the majority of melanomas, but not in most other types of cancer, making it a useful tool in distinguishing melanoma from other types of skin cancer. In addition, Melan-A is used in immunotherapy for melanoma, as it is one of the targets for T cells engineered to attack cancer cells.

See also

• Melanoma
• Melanocyte
• Melanin
• Immunotherapy

References

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