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Updated: Dec 8, 2025

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Jeju Magma-Seawater Inhibits α-MSH-Induced Melanogenesis via CaMKKβ-AMPK Signaling Pathways in B16F10 Melanoma Cells
Minhyeok Song1, Jihyun Lee2, Young-Joo Kim3
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
Abstract:
Melanin protects skin from ultraviolet radiation, toxic drugs, and chemicals. Its synthesis is sophisticatedly regulated by multiple mechanisms, including transcriptional and enzymatic controls. However, uncontrolled excessive production of melanin can cause serious dermatological disorders, such as freckles, melasma, solar lentigo, and cancer. Moreover, melanogenesis disorders are also linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, there is a huge demand for safer and more potent inhibitors of melanogenesis. In the present study, we report novel inhibitory effects of Jeju magma-seawater (JMS) on melanogenesis induced by α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in B16F10 melanoma cells. JMS is the abundant underground seawater found in Jeju Island, a volcanic island of Korea. Research into the physiological effects of JMS is rapidly increasing due to its high contents of various minerals that are essential to human health. However, little is known about the effects of JMS on melanogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that JMS safely and effectively inhibits α-MSH-induced melanogenesis via the CaMKKβ (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase β)-AMPK (5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway. We further demonstrate that AMPK inhibits the signaling pathways of protein kinase A and MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinase), which are critical for melanogenesis-related gene expression. Our results highlight the potential of JMS as a novel therapeutic agent for ameliorating skin pigmentation-related disorders.
Insights
Jeju magma-seawater (JMS) effectively inhibits melanin production by targeting key signaling pathways. This discovery offers a promising natural approach for treating skin pigmentation disorders.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Melanin synthesis regulation is crucial, as excessive production causes pigmentation disorders like melasma and lentigo.
- Existing melanogenesis inhibitors lack safety and potency, creating a need for novel therapeutic agents.
- Melanogenesis disorders are increasingly linked to neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the importance of understanding melanin regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the novel inhibitory effects of Jeju magma-seawater (JMS) on melanogenesis.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of JMS-induced melanogenesis inhibition in B16F10 melanoma cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized B16F10 melanoma cells to study melanogenesis induced by α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH).
- Investigated the role of the CaMKKβ-AMPK signaling pathway in mediating JMS's effects.
- Analyzed the impact of JMS on protein kinase A and MAPK signaling pathways crucial for melanogenesis.
Main Results:
- Jeju magma-seawater (JMS) demonstrated safe and effective inhibition of α-MSH-induced melanogenesis.
- JMS acts via the CaMKKβ-AMPK signaling pathway to suppress melanin production.
- AMPK activation by JMS led to the inhibition of protein kinase A and MAPK signaling, reducing melanogenesis-related gene expression.
Conclusions:
- JMS exhibits significant potential as a novel therapeutic agent for managing skin hyperpigmentation disorders.
- The CaMKKβ-AMPK pathway is a key mediator of JMS's antimelanogenic effects.
- Further research into JMS could lead to the development of safer and more effective treatments for dermatological conditions.
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