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Senescent Fibroblast-Derived GDF15 Induces Skin Pigmentation
Yeongeun Kim1, Bogyeong Kang1, Jin Cheol Kim2
1Department of Dermatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|May 17, 2020
Summary
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) from senescent fibroblasts stimulates skin pigmentation by upregulating melanogenesis. This finding sheds light on the mechanisms behind aging-associated hyperpigmentation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Senescent fibroblasts are implicated in skin aging and pigmentation.
- Increased Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) is observed in UV-irradiated senescent fibroblasts and photoaged skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of GDF15 in melanogenesis and skin pigmentation.
- To elucidate the signaling pathways involved in GDF15-mediated pigmentation.
Main Methods:
- Co-culturing normal human melanocytes with fibroblasts engineered to overexpress or silence GDF15.
- Analyzing melanogenesis markers, including Microphthalmia-associated Transcription Factor (MITF) and tyrosinase.
- Utilizing ex vivo cultured skin and reconstituted human skin models to confirm findings.
Main Results:
- GDF15 significantly stimulates melanogenesis in melanocytes.
- GDF15 upregulates MITF and tyrosinase expression through β-catenin signaling.
- The pigmentary effects of GDF15 were validated in ex vivo and reconstituted human skin models.
Conclusions:
- Senescent fibroblast-derived GDF15 is a key stimulator of skin pigmentation.
- GDF15 may contribute to the development of aging-associated hyperpigmentation.
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