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Updated: Oct 9, 2025
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Discovery of small-molecule modulators of melanogenesis by docking-based virtual screening
Miernisha Abudureyimu1,2, Deng Zang1, Ainiwaer Talifu3
1Key Laboratory of Plant Resources & Chemistry of Arid Zone; State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization; Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, PR China.
Abstract:
Background: Vitiligo is a relatively common depigmenting skin disorder. UV light stimulation is often used to obtain repigmentation. Wnt signaling regulates melanocyte differentiation, and expression of TYR is upregulated in narrow-band UVB-treated epidermis. Manipulation of these two pathways by drugs could serve as one of the therapeutic approaches for durable repigmentation. Methods & results: CD9 was identified as a novel TYR activator by virtual screening and bioactivity assay. CD9 activated the Wnt signaling pathway through triggering translocation of β-catenin from cytoplasm to nucleus. Conclusion: The pathogenesis of vitiligo is complicated and varies with each individual, so combination therapy may be much more suitable for treatment of vitiligo. CD9 could synergize with other anti-inflammatory compounds or autoimmune suppressors to shorten repigmentation time and improve efficacy.
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