Abstract
Cosmetic practices that use skin-lightening agents to obtain desired skin tones or treat pigment abnormalities have been popular worldwide. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of these agents are still largely unknown. Here we identified a family of compounds, with the lead compound named A11, that exhibited strong pigment reduction in developing zebrafish embryos. The pigment inhibition lasted for several days and is effective both before and after melanogenesis. By comparison with several known skin-lightening compounds, A11 appeared to be more potent and caused slower pigment recovery after withdrawal. A11, however, did not inhibit tyrosinase or cause apoptosis in melanocytes. We further found that A11 suppressed proliferation in melanocytes and reduced the number of differentiated melanocytes by activating MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and Akt. Finally, A11 also caused melanin reduction in mammalian melanocytes. Together, A11 might be a potent skin-lightening agent with novel mechanisms.
Highlights
The desire to manipulate skin color has long been observed in human history
It is well known that melanin, the pigment molecule that determines our skin color, plays an important role in absorbing high energy waves, such as ultraviolet light, to protect molecules like DNA from damages induced by the energy wave
ThroughThrough cellular and molecular characterizations, we found we A11 found thattoA11 seems to mechanism have a novel mechanism than othercompounds skin-lightening compounds in that seems have a novel than other skin-lightening in inhibiting pigment inhibiting pigment formation by potentially regulating melanocyte differentiation and proliferation formation by potentially regulating melanocyte differentiation and proliferation
Summary
The desire to manipulate skin color has long been observed in human history. It is well known that melanin, the pigment molecule that determines our skin color, plays an important role in absorbing high energy waves, such as ultraviolet light, to protect molecules like DNA from damages induced by the energy wave. It is well documented that people with fair skin color appear to have a significantly higher risk of skin cancer. This explains why darker (or tanned) skin is believed to be healthier and preferred in Caucasians. People in African and Asian countries prefer a lighter skin color because it is commonly associated with higher social status. While the sunbath and tanning industry is popular in western countries, skin-lightening products and practices are sought after in Asia
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