Regulation Of Melanocytes Research Articles

Genomic insights into shank and eggshell color in Italian local chickens

Eggshell and shank color in poultry is an intriguing topic of research due to the roles in selection, breed recognition, and environmental adaptation. This study delves into the genomics foundations of shank and eggshell pigmentation in Italian local chickens through genome-wide association studies analysis to uncover the mechanisms governing these phenotypes. To this purpose, 483 animals from 20 local breeds (n = 466) and 2 commercial lines (n = 17) were considered and evaluated for shank and eggshell color. All animals were genotyped using the Affymetrix Axiom 600 K Chicken Genotyping Array. As regards shank color, the most interesting locus was detected on chromosome Z, close to the TYRP1 gene, known to play a key role in avian pigmentation. Additionally, several novel loci and genes associated with shank pigmentation, skin pigmentation, UV protection, and melanocyte regulation were identified (e.g., MTAP, CDKN2A, CDKN2B). In eggshell, fewer significant loci were identified, including SLC7A11 and MITF on chromosomes 4 and 12, respectively, associated with melanocyte processes and pigment synthesis. This comprehensive study shed light on the genetic architecture underlying shank and eggshell color in Italian native chicken breeds, contributing to a better understanding of this phenomenon which plays a role in breed identification and conservation, and has ecological and economic implications.

The Hoof Color of Australian White Sheep Is Associated with Genetic Variation of the MITF Gene.

Studying the characteristics of mammalian hoof colors is important for genetic improvements in animals. A deeper black hoof color is the standard for breeding purebred Australian White (AUW) sheep and this phenotype could be used as a phenotypic marker of purebred animals. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis using restriction site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) data from 577 Australian White sheep (black hoof color = 283, grey hoof color = 106, amber hoof color = 186) and performed association analysis utilizing the mixed linear model in EMMAX. The results of GWAS demonstrated that a specific single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; g. 33097911G>A) in intron 14 of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) gene was significantly associated with the hoof color in AUW sheep (p = 9.40 × 10-36). The MITF gene plays a key role in the development, differentiation, and functional regulation of melanocytes. Furthermore, the association between this locus and hoof color was validated in a cohort of 212 individuals (black hoof color = 122, grey hoof color = 38, amber hoof color = 52). The results indicated that the hoof color of AUW sheep with GG, AG, and AA genotypes tended to be black, grey, and amber, respectively. This study provided novel insights into hoof color genetics in AUW sheep, enhancing our comprehension of the genetic mechanisms underlying the diverse range of hoof colors. Our results agree with previous studies and provide molecular markers for marker-assisted selection for hoof color in sheep.

KRT5 mutation regulate melanin metabolism through notch signalling pathway between keratinocytes and melanocytes.

Dowling-Degos disease (DDD) is an autosomal dominant hereditary skin disease characterized by acquired reticular hyperpigmentation in flexural sites, and one of its causative genes is KRT5 gene. But the effect of KRT5, expressed only in keratinocytes, on melanocytes is unclear. Other pathogenic genes of DDD include POFUT1, POGLUT1 and PSENEN genes, which is involved in posttranslational modification of Notch receptor. In this study, we aim to determine the ablation of keratinocyte KRT5 affect melanogenesis in melanocyte through Notch signalling pathway. Here we found that KRT5 downregulation decreased the expression of the Notch ligand in keratinocytes and Notch1 intracellular domain in melanocytes, by establishing two cell models of ablation of KRT5 in keratinocytes based on CRISPR/Cas9 site-directed mutation and lentivirus-mediated shRNA. Treatment of melanocytes with Notch inhibitors had same effects with ablation of KRT5 on increase of TYR and decrease of Fascin1. Activation of Notch signalling reverses the effect of ablation of KRT5 on melanogenesis. Immunohistochemistry of DDD lesions with KRT5 gene mutation confirmed changes in the expression of relevant molecules in Notch signalling. Our research elucidates molecular mechanism of KRT5-Notch signalling pathway in the regulation of melanocytes by keratinocytes, and preliminary reveal the mechanism of DDD pigment abnormality caused by KRT5 mutation. These findings identify potential therapeutic targets of the Notch signalling pathway for the treatment of skin pigment disorders.

MITF Promotes Cell Growth, Migration and Invasion in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma by Activating the RhoA/YAP Signal Pathway.

Simple SummaryMicrophthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) has been reported to play a role in the progression of melanoma and other cancer types. However, the biological role of MITF in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is largely unknown. In this study, we elucidate the role of MITF in the progression of ccRCC. MITF- and MITF-mediated signaling pathways were investigated in ccRCC cell through MITF knockdown as well as overexpression of MITF in vitro and in vivo. MITF contributed to cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tumor growth in ccRCC through activation of the RhoA/YAP signaling pathways. This study suggests that MITF has potential as a therapeutic target in ccRCC.Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper transcription factor involved in the lineage-specific regulation of melanocytes, osteoclasts and mast cells. MITF is also involved in the progression of melanomas and other carcinomas, including the liver, pancreas and lung. However, the role of MITF in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is largely unknown. This study investigates the functional role of MITF in cancer and the molecular mechanism underlying disease progression in ccRCC. MITF knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and shifted the cell cycle in ccRCC cells. In addition, MITF knockdown reduced wound healing, cell migration and invasion compared with the controls. Conversely, MITF overexpression in SN12C and SNU482 cells increased cell migration and invasion. Overexpression of MITF activated the RhoA/YAP signaling pathway, which regulates cell proliferation and invasion, and increased YAP signaling promoted cell cycle-related protein expression. Additionally, tumor formation was impaired by MITF knockdown and enhanced by MITF overexpression in vivo. In summary, MITF expression was associated with aggressive tumor behavior, and increased the migratory and invasive capabilities of ccRCC cells. These effects were reversed by MITF suppression. These results suggest that MITF is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ccRCC.

Treatment of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis with 5-fluorouracil tattooing using a handheld needle

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is a common acquired skin condition characterized by multiple discrete, round, porcelain-white macules on the extensor aspects of the extremities in the elderly population. Most patients are reassured of the benign nature of the condition and no treatment is recommended. Despite the benignity, many patients seek treatment because the condition is cosmetically displeasing. There are several topical, physical, and surgical modalities available for idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, but the results are variable and unpredictable, and there is no standardization of the treatment regimens. Treatment modalities such as cryotherapy and spot peels are frequently associated with dyspigmentation, especially in darker skin types. We sought to develop a simple office-based procedure to treat idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis with minimal adverse effects, providing consistent results, and which can be performed by using readily available instruments (eg, needle) even in a remote or resource-poor setting. Topical anesthesia (eutectic mixture of lignocaine 2.5% weight by weight and prilocaine 2.5% weight by weight cream) was applied on lesions for 45 minutes. A simple 24-gauge hypodermic needle was dipped in a vial containing a solution of 5-fluorouracil at 50 mg/mL. The needle was filled by capillary action and the tip of the needle was later inserted in the lesion to create mild pinpoint bleeding under aseptic conditions. 5-Fluorouracil invokes a regulatory response within the fibroblasts of the papillary dermis, which causes regulation of melanocytes.1Wambier C.G. Wambier SPdF. Pereira Soares M.T. Breunig J. Cappel M.A. Landau M. 5-Fluorouracil tattooing for idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018; 78: e81-e82Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar,2Arbache S. Roth D. Steiner D. et al.Activation of melanocytes in idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis after 5-flourouracil infusion using a randomized, split-body, single blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018; 78: 212-215Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (16) Google Scholar 5-Fluorouracil makes a long-lasting favorable microenvironment for the melanocyte migration and subsequent pigment spread. We conducted a total of 2 sittings 1 month apart, which yielded complete uniform repigmentation (Fig 1, A and B). No treatment-related adverse effects were observed during or after the procedure. We tried a simple cost-effective treatment that can be easily performed and obviates the need for any high-end or complex equipment or instruments to treat idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. This is an off-label use of 5-fluorouracil and the safety and efficacy remain unknown. The novelty of our pearl is that the previously reported description used an actual tattooing device, but we are simply using a needle available in any office. Treatment of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis with a tattoo device versus a handheld needleJAAD InternationalVol. 3PreviewTo the Editor: We were pleased to read the case report by Rambhia and Rambhia describing the use of a hypodermic needle dipped in 5-fluorouracil to treat a patient with idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH).1 It is a simple and original solution to treat challenging dermatosis. Full-Text PDF Open Access

MicroRNA‐379 mediates pigmentation, migration and proliferation of melanocytes by targeting the insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor

Melanogenesis, migration and proliferation of melanocytes are important factors that determine the hair colours of mammals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be closely related to these processes. In melanocytes of alpacas, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) has been shown to improve melanogenesis through the cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway. miR-379 was predicted to target insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor 1 (IGF1R), which binds to IGF1. Therefore, we hypothesized that miR-379 could mediate melanogenesis, migration and proliferation of melanocytes. Here, we report that miR-379 was highly expressed in alpaca melanocytes. Subsequent overexpression of miR-379 in alpaca melanocytes led to the generation of the phenotype of melanogenesis, proliferation and migration. In addition, the expression of genes related to these phenotypes in melanocytes was detected. Our results showed that miR-379 targets IGF1R in melanocytes. The overexpression of miR-379 stimulated dendrite extension or elongation and limited the perinuclear distribution of melanin, but inhibited melanogenesis via cAMP response element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB)/microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) pathway. miR-379 attenuated melanocyte migration by downregulating the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and enhanced melanocyte proliferation by upregulating protein kinase B (AKT). These observations suggest the involvement of miR-379 in the physiological regulation of melanocytes, mediated by targeting IGF1R on insulin receptor (IR) compensation and subsequent crosstalk.

On\u2013off switching of cell cycle and melanogenesis regulation of melanocytes by non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma-activated medium

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure (NAP) plasma has demonstrated potential in biomedical applications, such as cancer treatment, bactericidal sterilization, and cell growth promotion or inhibition. In this study, for the first time, we demonstrated on–off switching of cell cycle progression and regulated melanogenesis in normal human skin melanocytes by NAP plasma-activated medium (PAM). The melanocytes were exposed to NAP plasma at durations varying from 0 to 20 min, and the effects of PAM on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and melanogenesis were investigated. Although PAM showed no cytotoxicity, the proliferation of melanocytes was inhibited. The melanocyte cell cycle was arrested by PAM for a relatively short period (48 h), after which it recovered slowly. PAM promoted melanogenesis through the activation of the enzymes tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1, and tyrosinase-related protein-2. These effects seem to be related to reactive oxygen species induced by PAM. Our finding that PAM modulates the cell cycle may provide insight into the recurrence of cancer. The regulation of the melanogenesis of melanocytes may facilitate the control of skin tone without incurring negative side effects.

The potential role of antioxidants in mitigating skin hyperpigmentation resulting from ultraviolet and visible light-induced oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is an integral element that influences a variety of biochemical reactions throughout the body and is known to play a notable role in melanogenesis. Exogenous triggers of oxidative stress, such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and visible light (VL), lead to pigment formation through somewhat different pathways, but both share a common endpoint-the potential to generate cosmetically undesirable hyperpigmentation. Though organic and inorganic sunscreens are available to protect against the UVR portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, coverage is lacking to protect against the VL spectrum. In this manuscript, we review the phases of tanning, pathways of melanogenesis triggered by UVR and VL, and the associated impact of oxidative stress. We also discuss the known intrinsic mechanisms and paracrine regulation of melanocytes that influence their response to UVR. Understanding these mechanisms and their role in UVR-induced hyperpigmentation should potentially lead to identification of useful targets that can be coupled with antioxidant therapy to alleviate this effect.

Dissecting Wnt Signaling for Melanocyte Regulation during Wound Healing

Abnormal pigmentation is commonly seen in the wound scar. Despite advancements in the research of wound healing, little is known about the repopulation of melanocytes in the healed skin. Previous studies have shown the capacity of melanocyte stem cells in the hair follicle to contribute skin epidermal melanocytes after injury in mice and humans. Here, we focused on the Wnt pathway, known to be a vital regulator of melanocyte stem cells in efforts to better understand the regulation of follicle-derived epidermal melanocytes during wound healing. We showed that transgenic expression of Wnt inhibitor Dkk1 in melanocytes reduced epidermal melanocytes in the wound scar. Conversely, forced activation of Wnt signaling by genetically stabilizing β-catenin in melanocytes increases epidermal melanocytes. Furthermore, we show that deletion of Wntless (Wls), a gene required for Wnt ligand secretion, within epithelial cells results in failure in activating Wnt signaling in adjacent epidermal melanocytes. These results show the essential function of extrinsic Wnt ligands in initiating Wnt signaling in follicle-derived epidermal melanocytes during wound healing. Collectively, our results suggest the potential for Wnt signal regulation to promote melanocyte regeneration and provide a potential molecular window to promote proper melanocyte regeneration after wounding and in conditions such as vitiligo.

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OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Our objective is to study the role of soluble adenylyl cyclase in the melanocyte regulation of pigment in response to ultraviolet radiation. Melanocytes are specialized cells that produce melanin in organelles called melanosomes, and melanin determines the pigmentation of hair and skin. cAMP is a master regulator of pigmentation and transmembrane class of adenylyl cyclases are essential for expression of important enzymes involved in melanogenesis. However, pigmentation is also controlled by melanosomal pH, which regulates melanogenesis, tyrosinase activity, and melanosome maturation. The relationship between melanosomal pH and cAMP has been elusive. Soluble adenylyl cyclase is a noncanonical source of cAMP that is not responsive to G proteins but rather functions as a pH sensor. We recently demonstrated that loss of soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) activity leads to increased melanosomal pH as well as increased pigmentation in cells and hair. We expanded our research to investigate the role of sAC in the intrinsic response of melanocytes to ultraviolet radiation. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We utilized sACfl/fl (wild type) and sACKO mouse melanocytes and compared their change in pigmentation in response to ultraviolet radiation. Melanin was used as a measure of pigmentation. We irradiated these cells at differing doses of UVB (0, 1, 2, or 3 mJ/cm2) daily for 3 days. After UVB treatment, cells were observed and the surviving cell numbers were determined. Cells were then analyzed for melanin content using spectroscopy. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We found that while both sACfl/fl and sACKO cells had increased melanin content in response to UVB, the melanin content of sACKO cells increased more compared with sACfl/fl cells (p=0.001 at daily dose of 3 mJ/cm2). In addition, sACKO cells required less UVB dose to induce a response. We also observed that sACKO cells show increased cell death compared with sACfl/fl cells. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Although both sACfl/fl and sACKO cells can induce melanin production in response to UV, our results suggest that sACKO cells are more sensitive. We believe that this increased response in sACKO cells is due to increased melanosomal pH. In addition, sACKO cells show increased cell death, suggesting that sAC is important in the damage response secondary to UV exposure. UV plays a wide range of roles in skin biology such as contributing to cancer risk and pigmentation. Since pigmentation is essential for the protection of the skin from UV insult, further investigation of possible mechanisms in which sAC can influence pigmentation in response to UV is warranted.

MiRNAs in Melanoma: Tumor Suppressors and Oncogenes with Prognostic Potential.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are small non-coding RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of target genes, control the vast majority of cellular events, including proliferation, differentiation, survival, senescence, autophagy, metabolism and genome stability. Even slight alterations in miRNA expression levels may induce the development of pathological states, including cancer. Several studies have already demonstrated the importance of miRNAs in the regulation of melanocytes. Upregulation of oncogenic miRNAs (oncomiRs), mainly by amplification and translocation of miRNA genes, and downregulation of oncosuppressor miRNAs (anti-oncomiRs) by deletion and other mutations, promoter methylation and abnormal processing contributes to melanoma initiation and progression. At each phase of melanoma progression, tumor cells exhibit distinct profiles of miRNA expression, as compared with normal melanocytes. Moreover, as miRNAs are stable molecules that can be identified in bodily fluids, such as blood and saliva, they can serve as potent non-invasive prognostic markers of disease progression and response to therapy. This review summarizes recent findings regarding miRNA-mediated control of melanocytes and melanoma development, and presents miRNAs as prognostic markers for this disease.

Significance of the Melanocortin 1 and Endothelin B Receptors in Melanocyte Homeostasis and Prevention of Sun-Induced Genotoxicity

The membrane bound melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), and the endothelin B receptor (ENDBR) are two G-protein coupled receptors that play important roles in constitutive regulation of melanocytes and their response to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), the main etiological factor for melanoma. The human MC1R is a Gs protein-coupled receptor, which is activated by its agonists α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-melanocortin; α-MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The ENDBR is a Gq coupled-receptor, which is activated by Endothelin (ET)-3 during embryonic development, and ET-1 postnatally. Pigmentation and the DNA repair capacity are two major factors that determine the risk for melanoma. Activation of the MC1R by its agonists stimulates the synthesis of eumelanin, the dark brown photoprotective pigment. In vitro studies showed that α-MSH and ET-1 interact synergistically in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor to stimulate human melanocyte proliferation and melanogenesis, and to inhibit UVR-induced apoptosis. An important function of the MC1R is reduction of oxidative stress and activation of DNA repair pathways. The human MC1R is highly polymorphic, and MC1R variants, particularly those that cause loss of function of the expressed receptor, are associated with increased melanoma risk independently of pigmentation. These variants compromise the DNA repair and antioxidant capacities of human melanocytes. Recently, activation of ENDBR by ET-1 was reported to reduce the induction and enhance the repair of UVR-induced DNA photoproducts. We conclude that α-MSH and ET-1 and their cognate receptors MC1R and ENDBR reduce the risk for melanoma by maintaining genomic stability of melanocytes via modulating the DNA damage response to solar UVR. Elucidating the response of melanocytes to UVR should improve our understanding of the process of melanomagenesis, and lead to effective melanoma chemoprevention, as well as therapeutic strategies.

Malignant melanoma and melanocortin 1 receptor.

The conventional chemotherapeutic treatment of malignant melanoma still remains poorly efficient in most cases. Thus the use of specific features of these tumors for development of new therapeutic modalities is highly needed. Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) overexpression on the cell surface of the vast majority of human melanomas, making MC1R a valuable marker of these tumors, is one of these features. Naturally, MC1R plays a key role in skin protection against damaging ultraviolet radiation by regulating eumelanin production. MC1R activation is involved in regulation of melanocyte cell division. This article reviews the peculiarities of regulation and expression of MC1R, melanocytes, and melanoma cells, along with the possible connection of MC1R with signaling pathways regulating proliferation of tumor cells. MC1R is a cell surface endocytic receptor, thus considered perspective for diagnostics and targeted drug delivery. A number of new therapeutic approaches that utilize MC1R, including endoradiotherapy with Auger electron and α- and β-particle emitters, photodynamic therapy, and gene therapy are now being developed.

TRANSLATIONAL IMPACT

Understanding how stem cells function in the creation and maintenance of biological shape is fundamental to three main areas of biomedicine: birth defects, which result from failure to build appropriate structures during embryonic development; regeneration after injury or disease, which requires the proper shape of the damaged structure to be rebuilt in adulthood; and, finally, cancer, which can be seen as a failure to obey the patterning cues that continuously act to impose three-dimensional order against neoplasia and aging. The neural crest is a key population of stem cells that migrate throughout the embryo and contribute to structures such as the heart, face and skin. Neurocristopathies, which are defects in neural crest development, form an important class of congenital defects.Although the genetic and biochemical signaling pathways that regulate the conversion from normal developmental patterning to cancer have been intensively studied, an important class of signals remains poorly understood: endogenous bioelectric cues produced by ion channels and transmembrane voltage gradients.Owing to their ease of manipulation and relative transparency, Xenopus laevis embryos are a particularly convenient model for understanding the signals directing neural crest cells and their progeny. To determine how changes in membrane voltage regulate cell behavior and interactions in vivo, the authors target a population of cells expressing the glycine-gated chloride channel (GlyCl). By opening the channel pharmacologically and manipulating ion levels to hyperpolarize or depolarize these cells, they show that GlyCl-expressing cells can trigger a neoplastic-like phenotype in an important class of neural crest derivatives – the pigment cells known as melanocytes. The GlyCl-expressing ‘instructor’ cells trigger hyperproliferation, and cause increased dendricity and invasiveness into neural tissues, blood vessels and gut. Crucially, the induction of this metastatic phenotype occurs at long range and is mediated by serotonergic signaling.This work demonstrates that the bioelectrical state of specific cells in the host can trigger the stem cell to neoplastic cell transition in pigment cells, resulting in a phenotype that is similar to that of metastatic melanoma. Crucially, the relevant signal is not tied to GlyCl per se, or even chloride, but is truly carried by a physiological parameter – voltage. These data reveal a new role for ion flow and serotonergic signaling in melanocyte regulation, with potential uses in the treatment of vitiligo and melanoma. Furthermore, they uncover a newly identified population of ‘instructor’ cells (characterized by GlyCl expression) that can control the fate of neural crest derivatives with exquisite specificity. The ability to modulate membrane voltage without the need for gene therapy, and the identification of cell types that can direct the function of stem cells, are powerful approaches through which to better understand and address the in vivo control of patterning in cancer, the regenerative response and the repair of birth defects.

Liver X receptor expression in human melanocytes, does it have a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a common, non-contagious disorder. The basic pathogenesis of vitiligo generally, or for any of the putative subsets of vitiligo, remains unknown. The liver X receptors (LXRs), LXR-alpha and LXR-beta are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. Important genes involved in regulation of melanocytes are target genes of LXRs; it can be speculated that LXRs might be playing an important role in pathogenesis of pigmentary disorders. We have demonstrated in this study that there is expression of LXR-alpha/beta by human melanocytes at both transcriptional and translational levels. Our present data also revealed that the expression of LXR-alpha at both mRNA and protein level was significantly higher in perilesional skin as compared to the normal skin of vitiligo patient.

Genetic mapping of the sex-linked barring gene in the chicken

The sex-linked barring gene of the chicken (Gallus gallus), first identified in 1908, produces an alternating pattern of white and black bars in the adult plumage. More recent studies have shown that melanocytes in the developing feather follicle of the Barred Plymouth Rock experience premature cell death, whereas initially it was thought that melanocytes remained viable in the region of the feather devoid of pigmentation but were simply inhibited from synthesizing melanin. In an attempt to reconcile these 2 different hypotheses at the molecular level, we have taken a gene mapping approach to isolate the sex-linked barring gene variant. We developed a mapping population consisting of 71 F2 chickens from crossing a single Barred Plymouth Rock female with a White Crested Black Polish male. Existing and novel microsatellite markers located on the chicken chromosome Z were used to genotype all individuals in our mapping population. Single marker association analysis revealed a 2.8-Mb region of the distal q arm of chicken chromosome Z to be significantly associated with the barring phenotype (P < 0.001). Further analysis suggests that the causal mutation is located within a 355-kb region showing complete association with the barring phenotype and containing 5 known genes [micro-RNA 31 (miRNA-31), methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B (CDKN2B), tripartite motif 36 (TRIM36), and protein geranylgeranyltransferase type I, β subunit (PGGT1B)], none of which have a defined role in normal melanocyte function. Although several of these genes or their homologs are known to be involved in processes that could potentially explain the barring phenotype, our results indicate that further work directed at fine-mapping this region is necessary to identify this novel mechanism of melanocyte regulation.

Keratinocyte dysfunction in vitiligo epidermis: cytokine microenvironment and correlation to keratinocyte apoptosis.

Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by loss of functional melanocytes. Keratinocytes contribute to melanocyte homeostasis, and keratinocyte alteration may play a role in melanocyte dysfunction in vitiligo. In particular, the release of melanogenic mediators and the level of functioning keratinocytes may affect melanocyte dysfunction in vitiligo epidermis. Keratinocyte-derived mediators involved in pigmentation, analysed by in situ hybridization, and epidermal apoptosis, detected by TUNEL assay and electron microscopy, were evaluated in lesional and perilesional skin biopsies from 15 patients with active vitiligo and in 5 control subjects. Among the melanogenic mediators, stem cell factor (SCF) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) mRNA were significantly reduced in lesional as compared to perilesional epidermis, whereas no difference was observed in mRNA of basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) and granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The expression of mRNA for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin-6 (IL-6), two pro-inflammatory cytokines with an inhibitory effect on pigmentation, was increased in the epidermis from vitiligo biopsies, whereas their expression was practically undetectable in the skin of control subjects. Apoptotic keratinocytes were more abundant in lesional vs. perilesional skin of vitiligo patients and were absent in the epidermis of control subjects. Changes in expression of keratinocyte-derived mediators observed in the present study are consistent with their differential functions in melanocyte regulation. In particular, increased TNF-alpha could contribute to keratinocyte apoptosis, which results in reduced release of melanogenic cytokines and ultimately in melanocyte disappearance.

Gpnmb is a melanoblast‐expressed, MITF‐dependent gene

Expression profile analysis clusters Gpnmb with known pigment genes, Tyrp1, Dct, and Si. During development, Gpnmb is expressed in a pattern similar to Mitf, Dct and Si with expression vastly reduced in Mitf mutant animals. Unlike Dct and Si, Gpnmb remains expressed in a discrete population of caudal melanoblasts in Sox10-deficient embryos. To understand the transcriptional regulation of Gpnmb we performed a whole genome annotation of 2,460,048 consensus MITF binding sites, and cross-referenced this with evolutionarily conserved genomic sequences at the GPNMB locus. One conserved element, GPNMB-MCS3, contained two MITF consensus sites, significantly increased luciferase activity in melanocytes and was sufficient to drive expression in melanoblasts in vivo. Deletion of the 5'-most MITF consensus site dramatically reduced enhancer activity indicating a significant role for this site in Gpnmb transcriptional regulation. Future analysis of the Gpnmb locus will provide insight into the transcriptional regulation of melanocytes, and Gpnmb expression can be used as a marker for analyzing melanocyte development and disease progression.

Melanocyte stem cells

Pigmentation of mammalian hairs is mediated by specialized pigment-producing cells referred as melanocytes. Hair pigmentation is tightly linked with hair regeneration cycles, where melanocytes proliferate and differentiate during the hair growth phase, but depleted by apoptosis during the regression phase. This periodical appearance of melanocytes is maintained by a small pool of immature stem cells residing in the hair follicle. Melanocyte stem cells offer an advantageous model by which to elucidate molecular basis of stem cell regulation, since genetic alterations affecting melanocyte regulation result in visible and yet viable phenotypes. Hence, by integrating melanocyte-specific in vivo gene manipulation approach and the subsequent phenotype analysis, melanocyte stem cell system provide an irresistible clue to identify key molecules for the stem cell regulation. Consolidation of such data would ultimately reveal an entire molecular network underlying the regulation of stem cells, which would not only contribute complete understanding of stem cell biology, but also provide valuable insights into medical application of stem cells.

Advances in the research about vitiligo immunology

白癜风相关的免疫学研究已成为热点,包括表皮细胞因子表达的失衡和细胞因子网络对黑素细胞的调节;细胞免疫在白癜风发病机制中的作用及特异性T细胞受体识别抗原的分子和功能基础;白癜风的发病与其他自身免疫性疾病的关系;凋亡在黑素细胞破坏过程中的作用等.就白癜风相关的免疫学发病机制进展进行综述。