SIRT7 gene knockout using CRISPR/Cas9 system enhances melanin production in the melanoma cells

Abstract

Melanin is a prominent pigment of skin and hair, and its deficiency can cause various disorders such as hair graying and albinism. The improvement of melanin production at a genetic level could offer an effective and permanent solution. Recently, SIRT7 has evoked an interest in the study of hair follicle stem cells, but its role in melanin synthesis remains unclear. In the present study, we have first successfully developed SIRT7 gene KO melanoma cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. It was found that the SIRT7 gene KO enhanced melanin production in melanoma cells. To validate the role of SIRT7 in melanin production, RT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining assays were performed. The expression levels of melanin-producing genes and proteins (MITF, TRP1, TRP-2, TYR, TH) were significantly increased in SIRT7 gene KO cells compared to normal cells. In addition, melanin production was increased in KO cells higher than in normal cells through the image analysis. All these results suggest that SIRT7 could play an essential role in regulating melanin production, providing an alternative drug target to treat pigmentary disorders.