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Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, a specific cholesterol-binding agent, inhibits melanogenesis in human melanocytes through
Sun Hee Jin1, Young Yi Lee, Hee Young Kang
1Department of Dermatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea.
Abstract:
Cholesterol has been suggested to regulate cell differentiation. In this study, we have examined the effects of cholesterol modulation on pigmentation of skin using a treatment with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD), a specific cholesterol-binding agent. Treatment with MbetaCD reduced pigmentation in human melanocyte and cultured skin. This decrease in pigmentation was related to the inhibition of the expression of tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor of melanocytes. Stimulation of melanocytes with MbetaCD led to the time-dependent phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Furthermore, ERK functionally regulated the MbetaCD-induced melanin formation in melanocytes; a ERK inhibitor, PD98059, almost completely attenuated the MbetaCD-mediated inhibition of melanin synthesis and down-regulation of MITF and tyrosinase expression. These results suggest that cholesterol reduction by MbetaCD inhibit melanin synthesis via ERK activation and subsequent MITF downregulation.
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