Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase as a marker for the proliferative potential of melanocyte-lineage cells in the human skin.

Melanocytes in the human epidermis actively produce and secrete various substances, thereby contributing to the maintenance of the skin homeostasis. Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) that catalyzes the formation of prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2) ) may be one of such secreted molecules. Once secreted, L-PGDS functions as a transporter for lipophilic ligands, including all-trans retinoic acid (RA).