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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Fueling Melanocytes with ATP from Keratinocytes Accelerates Melanin Synthesis
1Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Abstract:
Melanocyte homoeostasis and their response to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) are mediated to a large extent by keratinocyte-derived factors, many of which have been well-characterized. Lee et al. describe novel effects of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), which is secreted by keratinocytes and can stimulate melanogenesis by melanocytes following UVA exposure. The investigators attribute the melanogenic effect of ATP to binding purinergic receptors type 2 X7 (P2X7), which are expressed on human melanocytes, leading to activation of the protein kinase C pathway. This report is the first to identify expression of specific purinergic receptors on human melanocytes, and it suggests ATP as a signaling molecule that stimulates pigmentation. Follow up on these results should clarify the physiological role of ATP in mediating the tanning response to solar UVR.
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