The effect of the NMDA receptor-dependent signaling pathway on cell morphology and melanosome transfer in melanocytes

Our data suggest that filopodia delivery is the major mode of melanosome transfer between melanocytes and keratinocytes. NMDA drives melanosome transfer by promoting filopodia delivery and direct morphological effects on melanocytes, while MK-801 affects the intracellular β-tubulin redistribution and the filopodia delivery between melanocytes and keratinocytes. We hypothesize that NMDA receptor-dependent signaling is involved in melanosome transfer, which is associated with calcium influx, cytoskeleton protein redistribution, dendrites and filopodia formation. A thorough understanding of melanosome transfer is crucial for designing treatments for hyper- and hypo-pigmentary disorders of the skin.