Melanocytes respond by altering gene transcription, and these changes in gene expression profiles result in easily quantifiable phenotypes such as
modified pigment production (a hallmark of melanocyte differentiation state) and changes in morphological cell properties.
As soon as the calcium level exceeds a particular threshold value over a longer period of time, a signal cascade is triggered that initiates
production of the body's tanning
pigment melanin in the genetically
modified cells.