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Exosomes released by keratinocytes modulate melanocyte pigmentation
Alessandra Lo Cicero1, Cédric Delevoye2, Floriane Gilles-Marsens2
11] Institut Curie, PSL Research University, UMR144, CNRS, F-75248 Paris, France [2] Structure and Membrane Compartments, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR144, Paris F-75248, France [3] Cell and Tissue Imaging Facility, Infrastructures en Biologie Santé et Agronomie (IBiSA), Paris F-75248, France.
Nature Communications
|June 25, 2015
Summary
Keratinocyte-derived exosomes enhance skin melanin synthesis by regulating melanosomal proteins. This exosome function is phototype-dependent and influenced by UV radiation, revealing a new role for intercellular communication in human pigmentation.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, mediate intercellular communication by transferring biomolecules.
- Skin pigmentation involves complex interactions between epidermal cells, primarily keratinocytes and melanocytes.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating pigmentation is crucial for addressing pigmentation disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of keratinocyte-secreted exosomes in regulating human skin pigmentation.
- To determine how keratinocyte-derived exosomes affect melanin synthesis and melanosomal protein function.
- To explore the influence of phototype and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation on exosome function in pigmentation.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of exosomes from keratinocytes.
- Analysis of exosome content (proteins, lipids, RNAs).
- In vitro assays to measure melanin synthesis and melanosomal protein expression/activity in recipient cells.
- Assessment of exosome function across different skin phototypes and following UVB exposure.
Main Results:
- Keratinocyte-derived exosomes were found to significantly enhance melanin synthesis in recipient cells.
- Exosomes increased both the expression and activity of key melanosomal proteins involved in melanogenesis.
- The functional impact of these exosomes on pigmentation was dependent on the skin phototype.
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation modulated the activity of keratinocyte-derived exosomes in regulating pigmentation.
Conclusions:
- Exosomes secreted by keratinocytes play a significant physiological role in regulating human skin pigmentation.
- Intercellular communication via keratinocyte exosomes influences melanogenesis by affecting melanosomal proteins.
- The phototype-dependent and UVB-modulated function of these exosomes highlights their importance in adaptive and potentially pathological pigmentation processes.
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