Molecular structure could help explain albinism, melanoma

Scientists have long known that members of the phenoloxidase family are involved in skin and hair coloring. When they are mutated, they can cause albinism. Produced over abundantly, they are associated with melanoma. A team of Baylor College of Medicine and German researchers explain how hemocyanin is activated -- a finding that could lead to a better understanding of both ends of the skin and hair color spectrum. A report of their work appears in the current issue of the journal Structure.