516 Dynein is involved in the movement, distribution, acidity, and transfer of melanosomes

Abstract

Skin pigmentation depends on cellular processes including biogenesis, transport, maturation, and transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes. However, the mechanisms associated with the fine spatial and temporal controls to ensure adequate pigmentation remain unclear. Here, we show that a component of the cytoplasmic dynein complex, Dynlt3, is required for the transport, acidity regulation and efficient transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes. In Mus musculus melanocytes with decreased levels of Dynlt3, pigmented melanosomes undergo a more directional movement, leading to their peripheral localization in the cell.