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Deubiquitination of MITF-M Regulates Melanocytes Proliferation and Apoptosis

Shuaishuai Hu1, Shaocheng Bai1, Yingying Dai1

  • 1College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.

Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences
|June 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The deubiquitinase USP13 regulates Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor-M (MITF-M) protein levels in melanocytes, impacting cell proliferation and apoptosis. This finding offers insights into coat color development in fur animals.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor-M (MITF-M) is crucial for melanocyte proliferation and differentiation.
  • Deubiquitinase USP13 has been previously linked to melanogenesis.
  • The precise role of USP13 in regulating MITF-M and its downstream effects on melanocytes remained unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of USP13 on MITF-M expression and its subsequent impact on melanocyte proliferation and apoptosis.
  • To elucidate the mechanism by which USP13 influences MITF-M protein stability.

Main Methods:

  • Overexpression of MITF-M in melanocytes.
  • Manipulation of USP13 levels (exogenous and downregulation) in melanocytes.
  • Analysis of cell proliferation, apoptosis, melanin levels, and expression of melanin-related genes (TYR, DCT, GPNMB, PMEL).
  • Assessment of MITF-M protein and mRNA levels, and protein half-life.

Main Results:

  • MITF-M overexpression led to increased melanocyte proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and elevated melanin levels.
  • Melanin-related genes were significantly upregulated in MITF-M overexpressing cells.
  • USP13 modulated endogenous MITF-M protein levels without affecting MITF-M mRNA, indicating post-transcriptional regulation.
  • USP13 stabilized MITF-M protein, increasing its half-life and mitigating degradation.

Conclusions:

  • USP13 deubiquitinase regulates MITF-M protein levels in melanocytes, influencing their proliferation and apoptosis.
  • This regulatory mechanism provides a theoretical basis for coat color transformation and potential applications in fur animal breeding.
Keywords:
MITF-MUSP13deubiquitinationinteractionmelanocytes

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