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FGF21 regulates melanogenesis in alpaca melanocytes via ERK1/2-mediated MITF downregulation

Ruiwei Wang1, Tianzhi Chen1, Bingling Zhao1

  • 1College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|June 18, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) inhibits melanin production in alpaca melanocytes by activating ERK signaling. This leads to reduced microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and lower melanin synthesis.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is recognized for its role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism.
  • The specific mechanisms by which FGF21 influences melanin synthesis are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of FGF21 on melanogenesis in alpaca melanocytes.
  • To elucidate the molecular pathway through which FGF21 regulates melanin production.

Main Methods:

  • Overexpression of FGF21 in alpaca melanocytes via transfection.
  • Detection of melanin content, and protein and mRNA levels of key pigmentation genes.
  • Utilized FGF21-siRNA to assess the necessity of FGF21 in the observed effects.

Main Results:

  • FGF21 overexpression significantly suppressed melanogenesis.
  • Reduced expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase (TYR), and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP2) was observed.
  • FGF21 increased phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-Erk1/2) levels, while FGF21-siRNA reversed the inhibitory effects on melanogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • FGF21 decreases melanogenesis in alpaca melanocytes.
  • The mechanism involves ERK activation, leading to MITF downregulation.
  • This pathway ultimately suppresses melanogenic enzymes and melanin production.
Keywords:
ERKFGF21FGF21-siRNAMITFMelanocytesMelanogenesis

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