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Pigment cell & melanoma research2026; 39(6); e70129; doi: 10.1111/pcmr.70129

Melanin as a Multifunctional Molecular System: Biosynthesis, Genetics, and Functional Roles in Livestock Species.

Abstract: Melanin is the primary pigment found in the skin, hair, wool and feathers of many vertebrates and plays a crucial role in determining the physical appearance and physiological performance of livestock species. Melanin functions in thermoregulation as well as coloration, photoprotection, and adaptation to diverse environmental conditions. This review examines the biosynthesis of melanin and the genetics of melanogenesis in major livestock species such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and poultry, and the roles of melanin-based pigmentation within different systems of animal production. The genetic loci (MC1R, ASIP, TYRP1, TYR, PMEL, MITF, KIT, and others) and polygenic modifiers determine the type and intensity of pigment distribution patterns. Melanin also has a variety of ecological roles, or functions, in addition to economically important traits, affecting adaptation to environmental restraints, product quality, and market preferences. Despite major advances in genomic and transcriptomic studies, many questions still remain, especially in the lack of direct experimental evidence, an insufficient understanding of the physiological roles of melanin in livestock, and a lack of functional validation of key pigmentation genes under production conditions. Future research should focus on bridging these gaps and translating this genetic knowledge to breeding strategies.
Publication Date: 2026-10-14 PubMed ID: 42870721DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.70129Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Review

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This research article reviews the production and genetic control of melanin pigmentation in livestock species and explores the various functional roles that melanin plays in animal physiology, adaptation, and production traits.

Introduction to Melanin in Livestock

  • Melanin is the main pigment responsible for coloration in the skin, hair, wool, and feathers of vertebrates, including livestock species such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and poultry.
  • The pigmentation influences both physical appearance and physiological functions relevant to livestock performance and welfare.
  • Melanin has multifunctional roles including coloration, thermoregulation, photoprotection, and environmental adaptation.

Biosynthesis and Genetics of Melanin

  • Melanogenesis, the process of melanin production, involves complex biochemical pathways regulated by specific genes.
  • Key genetic loci identified in livestock melanin production include MC1R, ASIP, TYRP1, TYR, PMEL, MITF, KIT, among others. These genes influence:
    • The type of melanin produced (eumelanin vs. pheomelanin)
    • The intensity and distribution pattern of pigmentation
    • Polygenic modifiers also contribute to variation in pigmentation characteristics.
  • The article highlights the role of these genes in determining coat and feather colors, which have implications in livestock breeds’ identification and classification.

Functional Roles of Melanin in Livestock

  • Beyond coloration, melanin contributes to multiple physiological and ecological functions important to livestock:
    • Thermoregulation: Melanin pigmentation helps regulate heat absorption and dissipation, influencing the animal’s ability to cope with temperature variations.
    • Photoprotection: Melanin protects skin and underlying tissues from ultraviolet radiation damage.
    • Environmental Adaptation: Melanin enables animals to better withstand environmental stresses such as sunlight intensity and climate conditions.
    • Economic and Production Importance: Pigmentation affects product quality (e.g., wool or feather color), market preferences, and animal valuation.

Research Gaps and Future Directions

  • Despite advances in genomic and transcriptomic techniques, several key knowledge gaps remain:
    • Lack of direct experimental evidence explaining the physiological roles of melanin under production settings.
    • Insufficient functional validation of critical pigmentation genes, especially in relation to performance traits and environmental adaptation.
    • Limited understanding of how melanin interacts with other physiological systems in livestock.
  • The paper suggests that future research should:
    • Focus on experimental studies to validate gene functions related to pigmentation.
    • Translate genetic findings into practical breeding strategies for improved livestock adaptation and product quality.
    • Integrate genetic knowledge with management practices to optimize animal health and market outcomes.

Summary

  • Melanin is a multifunctional pigment with central importance for livestock beyond aesthetics, impacting physical performance and environmental adaptability.
  • The genetics of melanin synthesis are complex, controlled by multiple genes and modifiers that together shape pigmentation patterns.
  • Understanding and applying this knowledge can improve animal breeding, welfare, and production, but further functional research is needed to fill current gaps.

Cite This Article

APA
Bagiyal M, Ahlawat S, Khatak S, Parsad R, Malhotra S, Arora R, Mohan NH. (2026). Melanin as a Multifunctional Molecular System: Biosynthesis, Genetics, and Functional Roles in Livestock Species. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res, 39(6), e70129. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcmr.70129

Publication

ISSN: 1755-148X
NlmUniqueID: 101318927
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 39
Issue: 6
Pages: e70129

Researcher Affiliations

Bagiyal, Meena
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, Haryana, India.
  • UIET, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.
Ahlawat, Sonika
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, Haryana, India.
Khatak, Sunita
  • UIET, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.
Parsad, Ram
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, Haryana, India.
Malhotra, Shreya
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, Haryana, India.
Arora, Reena
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, Haryana, India.
Mohan, N H
  • ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, Haryana, India.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Melanins / biosynthesis
  • Melanins / genetics
  • Livestock / genetics
  • Livestock / metabolism
  • Melanogenesis
  • Pigmentation / genetics

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