MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor)

MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor) is a protein that helps control the activity of specific genes involved in the development and function of cells responsible for pigmentation, such as melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. MITF acts like a molecular switch, turning on or off genes essential for cell growth, survival, and pigmentation. It plays a critical role in normal pigmentation processes and in the development of certain conditions, including some forms of skin cancer like melanoma.