Insight into Neurodegenerative Disorder Using Melanocytes as a Model System

Abstract

Neural crest cells (NCCs) by responding to several signals and paracrine factors get differentiated into different lineages like peripheral nervous system (PNS), chondrocytes, myofibroblast, endocrine, melanocytes, etc., Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells that share a common origin, paracrine factors (Wnt, FGF, and BMP), and transcription factors (TFs) with the neurons of the nervous system. Neuronal model for neurodegenerative disorders are limited because of their nonhuman origin and transformation. In this review we propose the use melanocyte as a model system to study neurodegenerative studies. Method: Systematic Literature Review. Results: The similarity between neural crest-derived melanocytes and neurons, makes melanocyte an important model to study several neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disorder. Conclusion: Melanocytes and neurons share common origin i.e. both arise from NCC and share identical signalling molecules and pathways. Neural crest-derived melanocytes can thus serve as a promising model system to study normal and pathological behaviour of less accessible neurons.