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Pleiotrophin inhibits melanogenesis via Erk1/2‐ MITF signaling in normal human melanocytes
Author(s) -
Choi Woo Jong,
Kim Misun,
Park JiYoun,
Park Tae Jun,
Kang Hee Young
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
pigment cell and melanoma research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.618
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1755-148X
pISSN - 1755-1471
DOI - 10.1111/pcmr.12309
Subject(s) - pleiotrophin , microphthalmia associated transcription factor , melanocyte , microbiology and biotechnology , melanin , human skin , growth factor , chemistry , signal transduction , tyrosinase , biology , cancer research , biochemistry , receptor , melanoma , genetics , enzyme
Summary Pleiotrophin ( PTN ) is a secreted heparin‐binding protein that is involved in various biological functions of cell growth and differentiation. Little is known about the effects of PTN on the melanocyte function and skin pigmentation. In this study, we investigated whether PTN would affect melanogenesis. PTN was expressed in melanocytes and fibroblasts of human skin. Transfection studies revealed that PTN decreased melanogenesis, probably through MITF degradation via Erk1/2 activation in melanocytes. The inhibitory action of PTN in pigmentation was further confirmed in ex vivo cultured skin and in the melanocytes cocultured with fibroblasts. These findings suggest that PTN is a crucial factor for the regulation of melanogenesis in the skin.