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Ultraviolet-irradiated endothelial cells secrete stem cell factor and induce epidermal pigmentation
Misun Kim1, Takako Shibata2, Soohyun Kwon1
1Department of Dermatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Scientific Reports
|March 11, 2018
Summary
UV-irradiated endothelial cells boost skin pigmentation by releasing stem cell factor (SCF). This epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk highlights a key mechanism in UV-induced hyperpigmentation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and cellular biology
- Investigating the molecular mechanisms of skin pigmentation and UV response.
Background:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes skin hyperpigmentation, often associated with increased vasculature.
- Endothelial cells, part of the vasculature, are implicated in regulating skin pigmentation post-UV exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of endothelial cells in UV-induced skin hyperpigmentation.
- To identify the specific molecular factors involved in endothelial cell-mediated melanogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized UV irradiation on endothelial cells and human skin explants.
- Performed RNA sequencing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).
- Investigated the effect of inhibiting stem cell factor (SCF)/c-KIT signaling.
Main Results:
- UV-irradiated endothelial cells significantly increased melanocyte pigmentation via epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk.
- Endothelial cells secreted increased levels of stem cell factor (SCF) after UV exposure.
- Inhibiting SCF/c-KIT signaling abrogated the pigmentation-stimulating effect of endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial cells are activated by UV exposure.
- Activated endothelial cells release SCF, a key factor contributing to UV-induced skin hyperpigmentation.
- Targeting the SCF/c-KIT pathway may offer therapeutic strategies for managing hyperpigmentation.
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