Platelet-derived growth factor regulates the proliferation and differentiation of human melanocytes in a differentiation-stage-specific manner

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough many kinds of keratinocyte-derived factors are known to regulate the proliferation and differentiation of human melanocytes, it is not well defined whether dermis-derived factors work in a similar way. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to clarify whether dermal factors are involved in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of human melanocytes. MethodsHuman epidermal melanoblasts were cultured serially in a serum-free growth medium. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) was supplemented to the medium, and the effects on the proliferation of melanoblasts/melanocytes and the differentiation of melanocytes were studied. ResultsPDGF-BB stimulated the proliferation of melanoblasts cultured in melanoblast-proliferation medium, but inhibited the proliferation of melanocytes cultured in melanocyte-proliferation medium. By contrast, PDGF-BB stimulated the differentiation, dendritogenesis, and melanogenesis of melanocytes through the stimulation of tyrosinase activity and the expressions of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1. ConclusionThese results suggest that PDGF-BB regulates the proliferation and differentiation of human melanocytes in a differentiation-stage-specific manner. PDGF-BB seems to be one of the dermal factors that regulate the proliferation and differentiation of human melanocytes.