Murine melanoma cell differentiation and melanogenesis induced by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors

Reconstituted 3-dimensional human skin of various ethnic origins as an in vitro model for studies of pigmentation

Reconstituted 3-dimensional human skin equivalents containing melanocytes and keratinocytes on an artificial dermal substitute are gaining popularity for studies of skin metabolism because they exhibit morphological and growth characteristics similar to human epidermis. In this study, we show that such a pigmented epidermis model can be used to assess the regulation of pigmentation by known melanogenic compounds. In monolayers or in melanocyte-keratinocyte co-cultures, melanocyte-keratinocyte interactions are missing or are spatially limited. The commercial skin equivalents used in this study were derived from epidermal cells obtained from donors of three different ethnic origins (African- American, Asian, and Caucasian), and they reflect those distinct skin phenotypes. We used these pigmented human epidermis models to test compounds for potential effects on pigmentation in a more physiologically relevant context, which allows further characterization and validation of interesting melanogenic factors. We used known melanogenic stimulators (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) and inhibitors (hydroquinone, arbutin, kojic acid, and niacinamide) and examined their effects on the production of melanin and its distribution in upper layers of the skin. Our studies indicate that commercial skin equivalents provide a convenient and cost-effective alternative to animal testing for evaluating the regulation of mammalian pigmentation by melanogenic factors and for elucidating their mechanisms of action.

Co-culture of mouse epidermal cells for studies of pigmentation

Interactions between melanocytes and keratinocytes in the skin suggest bi-directional interchanges between these two cell types. Thus, melanocytes cultured alone may not accurately reflect the physiology of the skin and the effects of physiological regulators in vivo, because they do not consider possible interactions with keratinocytes. As more and more pigment genes are identified and cloned, the characterization of their functions becomes more of a challenge, particularly with respect to their roles in the processing and transport of melanosomes and their transfer to keratinocytes. Immortalized melanocytes mutant at these loci are now being routinely generated from mice, but interestingly, successful co-culture of murine melanocytes and keratinocytes is very difficult compared with their human counterparts. Thus, we have now optimized co-culture conditions for murine melanocytes and keratinocytes so that pigmentation and the effects of specific mutations can be studied in a more physiologically relevant context.

A standardized protocol for assessing regulators of pigmentation

Varied effects of chemical or biological compounds on mammalian pigmentation have been reported by many groups, but to date, no standardized method has established necessary and/or optimal parameters for testing such agents. A standardized method has been developed to screen compounds with potential effects on pigmentation. The protocol comprises basic parameters to analyze melanogenic effects and allows for further characterization of candidate compounds, providing important insights into their mechanism of action. In this protocol (termed STOPR, for standardized testing of pigmentation regulators), compounds are initially screened using purified tyrosinase and are then tested on melanocytes in culture. After treatment of melanocytes with potentially bioactive compounds, cell proliferation and viability, total melanin accumulated, and melanogenic potential are measured. This protocol is an important first step in characterizing chemical regulation of effects on melanogenesis. When bioactive candidate compounds are identified, testing may proceed for pharmacological or otherwise commercial applications in coculture and/or organ culture models followed by in vivo testing. As an application of this method, results for compounds known to stimulate and/or inhibit melanogenesis (including arbutin, hydroquinone, kojic acid, melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and thymidine dimers) as well as some commercial skin whiteners are reported.

Synthesis of poly(ADP-ribose) in asbestos treated rat pleural mesothelial cells in culture

To investigate the origin of DNA repair in rat pleural mesothelial cells (RPMC) exposed to asbestos fibers, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity was measured in the asbestos-treated cells. As bleomycin has been shown to activate poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis in several cell systems, the response to bleomycin with regard to PARP assay was first investigated. Bleomycin produced a dose-dependent increase of poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis in RPMC. Likewise both chrysotile and crocidolite fibers produced a concentration-dependent PARP activation indicating that the formation of DNA strand breaks is one type of damage produced by asbestos in RPMC. Enhancement of DNA repair, assessed by the measurement of [3H] methylthymidine incorporation in growth arrested cells, was not detectable in the presence of 3-methoxybenzamide (3-MBA), a PARP inhibitor, confirming a relation between PARP activation and DNA repair. The participation of DNA breakage in asbestos toxicity on RPMC was determined by the colorimetric 3-4(5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. There was no relationship between DNA breakage and cytotoxicity since the use of PARP inhibitors did not change cell viability. These results indicate that asbestos produce DNA damage that is repaired in RPMC.