Olfactory receptor discovered in pigment cells of the skin

(Ruhr-University Bochum) Pioneering researchers provided proof of an odorant receptor in pigment-producing cells in the human skin, so-called melanocytes. The team demonstrated that the violet-like Beta-Ionone odorant activates the receptor. The researchers identified the signalling pathways in detail that trigger an activation of the receptor. They consider their results a starting point for the therapy of malign melanoma.