Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026
12:37
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
18.9K
Stress chaperone mortalin regulates human melanogenesis
Renu Wadhwa1, Didik Priyandoko1,2, Ran Gao1
1DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5-41, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan.
Cell Stress & Chaperones
|April 9, 2016
Summary
Researchers identified mortalin, a mitochondrial stress chaperone, as crucial for human melanogenesis. Its upregulation correlates with pigmentation, and its inhibition compromises melanin production, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
Background:
- Melanogenesis, the process of melanin production, is complex and involves numerous cellular factors.
- Understanding these factors is key to addressing pigmentation disorders and developing cosmetic treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel cellular factors regulating human melanogenesis.
- To investigate the role of mortalin in melanogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized shRNA-mediated loss-of-function screening in human melanoma cells.
- Induced melanogenesis using 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol (OAG).
- Employed biochemical and visual assays, alongside bioinformatics analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified proteins involved in stress response, mitochondrial function, proliferation, and apoptosis.
- Demonstrated that the mitochondrial stress chaperone mortalin is essential for melanogenesis.
- Observed mortalin upregulation in cell-based assays and hyperpigmented keloid samples.
- Showed that mortalin knockdown significantly impairs melanogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Mortalin plays a critical role in regulating human melanogenesis.
- Mortalin is a potential therapeutic target for manipulating pigmentation in cosmetic and disease contexts.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Pigmentation
4.9K
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
4.9K
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
9.1K
Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
9.1K
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
8.6K
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
8.6K
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
5.4K
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.4K
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
4.1K
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
4.1K
01:02The Pineal Gland
7.1K
The pineal gland, a diminutive endocrine structure named for its pinecone-shaped appearance, is situated atop the third ventricle within the diencephalon region of the forebrain. This gland, composed of secretory cells known as pinealocytes arranged in compact cords and clusters around dense particles of calcium salts, plays a pivotal role in hormonal regulation.
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
7.1K