Link to this page
Cell Ontology
Last uploaded:
April 10, 2025
Jump to:
Id | http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/CL_0000148
http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/CL_0000148
|
---|---|
Preferred Name | melanocyte |
Definitions |
A pigment cell derived from the neural crest. Contains melanin-filled pigment granules, which gives a brown to black appearance.
|
Synonyms |
melanophore
|
Type | http://www.w3.org/2002/07/owl#Class |
All Properties
definition | A pigment cell derived from the neural crest. Contains melanin-filled pigment granules, which gives a brown to black appearance. |
---|---|
label | melanocyte
|
prefLabel | melanocyte
|
description | Melanocytes are specialized cells prevalently found in the skin, but also present in the hair follicles, eyes, inner ear, bones, heart, and brain. Their primary function is the synthesis of melanin, a pigment responsible for coloration of skin, hair, and eyes. The presence and distribution of this pigment play a crucial role in the body's defense mechanism against harmful ultraviolet radiation.
In addition to melanin production, melanocytes also engage in a variety of other biological functions. They play a fundamental role in the immune response, owing to their ability to present antigens to T cells. Furthermore, they contribute to the maintenance of the skin's homeostasis by regulating processes such as extracellular matrix remodeling and cytokine production. A balance in melanocyte function is pivotal, as dysfunctions often result in dermatological disorders. For instance, the loss of melanocytes or reduction in their function may lead to hypopigmentation conditions such as vitiligo, whereas an abnormal increase could result in hyperpigmentation disorders or melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer.
(This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.)
|
database_cross_reference |
ZFA:0009091
VHOG:0001679
CALOHA:TS-0613
BTO:0000847
MESH:D008544
FMA:70545
See more
See less
|
in_subset | |
has_narrow_synonym | melanophore
|
has part | |
prefixIRI | CL:0000148
|
present in taxon | |
subClassOf | |
overlaps | |
develops_from | |
type | |
treeView |
Add comment
Delete | Subject | Author | Type | Created |
---|---|---|---|---|
No notes to display |
- Problem retrieving properties:
Notes
Filter:
Add NCBO Web Widgets to your site for CL
Widget type | Widget demonstration |
---|---|
|
Step 2: Follow the Instructions
For more help visit NCBO Widget Wiki |
|
Example 1 (start typing the class name to get its full URI)
Example 2 (get the ID for a class) Example 3 (get the preferred name for a class) Step 2: Follow the Instructions
For more help visit NCBO Widget Wiki |
|
Step 2: Follow the InstructionsCopy the code below and paste it to your HTML page <iframe frameborder="0" src="/widgets/visualization?ontology=CL&class=http%3A%2F%2Fpurl.obolibrary.org%2Fobo%2FUBERON_0009623&apikey=YOUR_API_KEY"></iframe> For more help visit NCBO Widget Wiki |
|
Step 2: Follow the InstructionsCopy the code below and paste it to your HTML page <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/widgets/jquery.ncbo.tree.css"> <script src="/widgets/jquery.ncbo.tree-2.0.2.js"></script> <div id="widget_tree"></div> var widget_tree = $("#widget_tree").NCBOTree({ apikey: "YOUR_API_KEY", ontology: "CL" }); You can also view a detailed demonstration For more help visit NCBO Widget Wiki |