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Zhang M, Xu X, Chen Y, Wei C, Zhan S, Cao J, Guo J, Dai D, Wang L, Zhong T, Zhang H, Li L. Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal Molecular Regulatory Networks for Pigmentation Deposition in Sheep. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8248. [PMID: 39125816 PMCID: PMC11311981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Domestic animals have multiple phenotypes of skin and coat color, which arise from different genes and their products, such as proteins and metabolites responsible with melanin deposition. However, the complex regulatory network of melanin synthesis remains to be fully unraveled. Here, the skin and tongue tissues of Liangshan black sheep (black group) and Liangshan semi-fine-wool sheep (pink group) were collected, stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson-Fontana, and the transcriptomic and metabolomic data were further analyzed. We found a large deposit of melanin granules in the epidermis of the black skin and tongue. Transcriptome and metabolome analysis identified 744 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 443 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) between the pink and black groups. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed the DEGs and DEMs were mainly enriched in the pathways of secondary metabolic processes, melanin biosynthesis processes, melanin metabolism processes, melanosome membranes, pigment granule membranes, melanosome, tyrosine metabolism, and melanogenesis. Notably, we revealed the gene ENSARG00020006042 may be a family member of YWHAs and involved in regulating melanin deposition. Furthermore, several essential genes (TYR, TYRP1, DCT, PMEL, MLANA, SLC45A2) were significantly associated with metabolite prostaglandins and compounds involved in sheep pigmentation. These findings provide new evidence of the strong correlation between prostaglandins and related compounds and key genes that regulate sheep melanin synthesis, furthering our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms and molecular breeding of pigmentation in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hongping Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Li Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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2
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Kang DY, Kim HC. Functional relation of agouti signaling proteins (ASIPs) to pigmentation and color change in the starry flounder, Platichthys stellatus. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 291:111524. [PMID: 37981006 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the involvement of agouti-signaling proteins (ASIPs) in morphological pigmentation and physiological color change in flatfishes. We isolated ASIP1 and 2 mRNAs from the skin of starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus), and compared their amino acid (aa) structures to those of other animals. Then, we examined the mRNA expression levels of two ASIPs (Sf-ASIPs) in the pigmented ocular body and in the unpigmented blind body, as well as in the ordinary skin and in albino skin, in flatfishes. To investigate the role of Sf-ASIPs in physiological color change (color camouflage), we compared the expression of the two genes in two background colors (dark-green and white). Sf-ASIP1 cDNA had a 375-bp open reading frame (ORF) that encoded a protein consisting of 125 aa residues, and Sf-ASIP2 cDNA had a 402-bp ORF that encoded a protein consisting of 132 aa residues. RT-PCR revealed that the strongest Sf-ASIP1 and Sf-ASIP2 expression levels were observed in the eye and blind-skin, respectively. In Sf-ASIP1, the gene expression did not differ between the ocular-side skin and blind-side skin, nor between ordinary skin and abnormal skin of the fish. However, in Sf-ASIP2, the expression level was significantly higher in blind-side skin, compared to ocular-side skin, suggesting that the ASIP2 gene is related to the countershading body pigment pattern of the fish. In addition, the Sf-ASIP2 gene expression level was lower in the pigmented spot regions than in the unpigmented spot regions of the malpigmented pseudo-albino skins on the ocular side, implying that ASIP2 is responsible for the ocular-side pseudo-albino. Additionally, ASIP2 gene expression in the blind-side skin of ordinary fish was enhanced by a white tank, implying that a bright background color could inhibit hypermelanosis in the blind-side skin of cultured flounder by increasing the activity of the Sf-ASIP2 gene. However, we did not find any relationship of ASIPs with camouflage color changes. In conclusion, the ASIP2 gene is related to the morphological pigmentation (countershading and malpigmentation) of the skin in starry flounder, but not with physiological color changes (color camouflage) in the ocular-side skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duk-Young Kang
- National Institute of Fisheries Science, West Sea Fisheries Research Institute, 707 Eulwang-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyo-Chan Kim
- KMS & MC, Molecular research, Haneulbyeolbit-ro, YoungJong-1 dong, Joong-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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3
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Zheng X, Chen J, Nie R, Miao H, Chen Z, He J, Xie Y, Zhang H. Differential expression of ASIP transcripts reveals genetic mechanism underpinning black-tail independence from body plumage in yellow-bodied chickens. Anim Genet 2024; 55:249-256. [PMID: 38194424 DOI: 10.1111/age.13395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The genetic foundation of chicken body plumage color has been extensively studied. However, little attention has been paid to the inheritance patterns and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of distal feather colors (tail and wingtip). Differences in these colors are common; for example, the Chinese Huiyang Beard chicken has black tail feathers, but yellow body plumage. Here, the hybrid offspring of Huiyang Beard and White Leghorn chickens were used to study the inheritance patterns of tail-feather color. The expression levels of pigment genes in differently colored feather follicles were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that genetic regulation of tail-feather color was independent of body-plumage color. The Dominant White locus inhibited eumelanin synthesis in tail feathers without affecting the formation of yellow body plumage, whereas the Silver locus had the opposite effect. The expression of agouti signaling protein (ASIP) gene class 1 transcripts was significantly lower in black tail-feather follicles than in yellow body follicles, whereas tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) gene expression was significantly higher in black tail feathers. These differentially expressed genes were confirmed to exert an effect on eumelanin and pheomelanin formation in feathers, thus influencing the regulation of chicken tail-feather color. In conclusion, this study lays the foundation for further research on the genetic mechanisms of regional differences in feather color, contributing to a better understanding of plumage pigmentation in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jianfei Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ruixue Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Huanhuan Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziwei Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jiaheng He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yinku Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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4
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Neitzke-Montinelli V, da Silva Figueiredo Celestino Gomes P, Pascutti PG, Moura-Neto RS, Silva R. Genetic diversity of the melanocortin-1 receptor in an admixed population of Rio de Janeiro: Structural and functional impacts of Cys35Tyr variant. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267286. [PMID: 35452484 PMCID: PMC9032367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is one of the key proteins involved in the regulation of melanin production and several polymorphisms have been associated with different phenotypes of skin and hair color in human and nonhuman species. Most of the knowledge is centered on more homogeneous populations and studies involving an admixed group of people should be encouraged due to the great importance of understanding the human color variation. This work evaluates the MC1R diversity and the possible impacts of MC1R variants in an admixed sample population of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which is a product of Native American, African, and European miscegenation. Sequencing of complete coding region and part of the 3´UTR of MC1R gene identified 31 variants including one insertion and three novel synonymous substitutions in sample population grouped according to skin, hair and eye pigmentation levels. In nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS), three main clusters were identified, in which the Brazilian dark skin group remained in the African cluster whereas the intermediate and the light skin color phenotype in the European one. None gathered with Asians since their immigration to Brazil was a recent event. In silico analyses demonstrated that Cys35Tyr, Ile155Thr and Pro256Ser, found in our population, have a negative effect on receptor function probably due to changes on the receptor structure. Notably, Cys35Tyr mutation could potentially impair agonist binding. Altogether, this work contributes to the understanding of the genetic background of color variation on an admixed population and gives insights into the damaging effects of MC1R variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Neitzke-Montinelli
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Pedro G. Pascutti
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo S. Moura-Neto
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rosane Silva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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5
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Tai X, Zhang Y, Yao J, Li X, Liu J, Han J, Lyu J, Lin G, Zhang C. Pharmacological Modulation of Melanocortin 1 Receptor Signaling by Mrap Proteins in Xenopus tropicalis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:892407. [PMID: 35795143 PMCID: PMC9251544 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.892407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin system consists of five G protein-coupled receptors (MC1R-MC5R), the bidirectional endogenous ligands (MSH and Agouti families), and accessory proteins (MRAP1 and MRAP2). Accumulative studies of vertebrate species find high expression level of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) in the dermal melanocyte and elucidate the essential roles in the skin and fur pigmentation, morphological background adaptation, and stress response. The diploid amphibian Xenopus tropicalis (xt) has been utilized as a fantastic animal model for embryonic development and studies of physiological cryptic colouring and environmental adaptiveness. However, the interaction of xtMc1r signaling with xtMrap proteins has not been assessed yet. In this study, we carried out in silico evolutionary analysis of protein alignment and genetic phylogenetic and genomic synteny of mc1r among various vertebrates. Ubiquitous expression of mrap1 and mrap2 and the co-expression with mc1r transcripts in the skin were clearly observed. Co-immunoprecipitation (ip) and fluorescent complementary approach validated the direct functional interaction of xtMc1r with xtMrap1 or xtMrap2 proteins on the plasma membrane. Pharmacological assay showed the improvement of the constitutive activity and alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) stimulated plateau without dramatic alteration of the cell surface translocation of xtMc1r in the presence of xtMrap proteins. Overall, the pharmacological modulation of xtMc1r by dual xtMrap2 proteins elucidated the potential role of this protein complex in the regulation of proper dermal function in amphibian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Tai
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqun Zhang
- Department of Pathology, InnoStar Bio-tech Nantong Co., Ltd., Nantong, China
| | - Jindong Yao
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Pathology, InnoStar Bio-tech Nantong Co., Ltd., Nantong, China
| | - Jiazhen Han
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjun Lyu
- Department of Pathology, InnoStar Bio-tech Nantong Co., Ltd., Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Jianjun Lyu, ; Gufa Lin, ; Chao Zhang,
| | - Gufa Lin
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jianjun Lyu, ; Gufa Lin, ; Chao Zhang,
| | - Chao Zhang
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jianjun Lyu, ; Gufa Lin, ; Chao Zhang,
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6
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Chen Q, Zhou D, Abdel-Malek Z, Zhang F, Goff PS, Sviderskaya EV, Wakamatsu K, Ito S, Gross SS, Zippin JH. Measurement of Melanin Metabolism in Live Cells by [U-13C]-L-Tyrosine Fate Tracing Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:1810-1818.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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7
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Upadhyay PR, Ho T, Abdel-Malek ZA. Participation of keratinocyte- and fibroblast-derived factors in melanocyte homeostasis, the response to UV, and pigmentary disorders. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 34:762-776. [PMID: 33973367 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human epidermal melanocytes play a central role in sensing the environment and protecting the skin from the drastic effects of solar ultraviolet radiation and other environmental toxins or inflammatory agents. Melanocytes survive in the epidermis for decades, which subjects them to chronic environmental insults. Melanocytes have a poor self-renewal capacity; therefore, it is critical to ensure their survival with genomic stability. The function and survival of melanocytes is regulated by an elaborate network of paracrine factors synthesized mainly by epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. A symbiotic relationship exists between epidermal melanocytes and keratinocytes on the one hand, and between melanocytes and dermal fibroblasts on the other hand. Melanocytes protect epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts from the damaging effects of solar radiation, and the latter cells synthesize biochemical mediators that maintain the homeostasis, and regulate the stress response of melanocytes. Disruption of the paracrine network results in pigmentary disorders, due to abnormal regulation of melanin synthesis, and compromise of melanocyte survival or genomic stability. This review provides an update of the current knowledge of keratinocyte- and fibroblast-derived paracrine factors and their contribution to melanocyte physiology, and how their abnormal production is involved in the pathogenesis of common pigmentary disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth R Upadhyay
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tina Ho
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Zalfa A Abdel-Malek
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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8
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Koikov L, Starner RJ, Swope VB, Upadhyay P, Hashimoto Y, Freeman KT, Knittel JJ, Haskell-Luevano C, Abdel-Malek ZA. Development of hMC1R Selective Small Agonists for Sunless Tanning and Prevention of Genotoxicity of UV in Melanocytes. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:1819-1829. [PMID: 33609553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the human melanocortin 1 receptor (hMC1R) expressed on melanocytes by α-melanocortin plays a central role in regulating human pigmentation and reducing the genotoxicity of UV by activating DNA repair and antioxidant defenses. For the development of a hMC1R-targeted photoprotection strategy, we designed tetra- and tripeptide agonists with modifications that provide the necessary lipophilicity and hMC1R selectivity to be effective drugs. These peptides proved to be superior to most of the existing analogs of the physiological tridecapeptide α-melanocortin because of their small size and high hMC1R selectivity. Testing on primary cultures of human melanocytes showed that these peptides are highly potent with prolonged stimulation of melanogenesis, enhanced repair of UV-induced DNA photoproducts, and reduced apoptosis. One of the tripeptides, designated as LK-514 (5), with a molecular weight of 660 Da, has unprecedented (>100,000) hMC1R selectivity when compared with the other melanocortin receptors hMC3R, hMC4R, and hMC5R, and increases pigmentation (sunless tanning) in a cultured, three-dimensional skin model. These new analogs should be efficacious in preventing skin cancer, including melanoma, and treatment of skin disorders, such as vitiligo and polymorphic light eruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Koikov
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Renny J Starner
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Viki B Swope
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Parth Upadhyay
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Yuki Hashimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katie T Freeman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - James J Knittel
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Huang T, Pu Y, Song C, Sheng Z, Hu X. A quantitative trait locus on chromosome 2 was identified that accounts for a substantial proportion of phenotypic variance of the yellow plumage color in chicken. Poult Sci 2020; 99:2902-2910. [PMID: 32475423 PMCID: PMC7597730 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chicken plumage color is an important economical trait in poultry breeding, as triple-yellow indigenous broilers are preferred over western commercial broilers in the Chinese market. However, the studies on the pigmentation of plumage coloration are relatively rare at present. Here, we performed a genome-wide mapping study on an F2 intercross, whose 2 founders were one hybrid commercial line “High Quality chicken Line A” that originated from the Anak red chicken and one indigenous line “Huiyang Beard” chicken that is a classical “triple-yellow” Chinese indigenous breed. Moreover, we used an automatic colorimeter that can quantitatively assess the colorations in L∗, a∗, and b∗ values. One major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 2 was thus identified by both genome-wide association and linkage analyses, which could explain 10 to 20% of the total phenotypic variance of the b∗ measurements of the back plumage color. Using linkage analysis, 2 additional QTL on chromosome 1 and 20 were also found to be significantly associated with the plumage coloration in this cross. With additional samples from Anak red and Huiyang Beard chickens as well as pooled resequencing data from the 2 founders of this cross, we then further narrowed down the QTL regions and identified several candidate genes, such as CABLES1, CHST11, BCL2L1, and CHD22. As the effects of QTL found in this study were substantial, quantitatively measuring the coloration rather than the descriptive measurements provides stronger statistical power for the analyses. In addition, this major QTL on chromosome 2 that was associated with feather pigmentation at the genome-wide level will facilitate the future chicken breeding for yellow plumage color. In conclusions, we mapped 3 associated QTL on chromosome 1, 2, and 20. The candidate genes identified in this study shed light in the genetic basis of yellow plumage color in chicken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Huang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yuejin Pu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chi Song
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheya Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Xiaoxiang Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
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10
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Rachmin I, Ostrowski SM, Weng QY, Fisher DE. Topical treatment strategies to manipulate human skin pigmentation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 153:65-71. [PMID: 32092380 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Skin pigmentation is a result of melanin produced by melanocytes in the epidermis. Melanocyte activity, along with the type and distribution of melanins, is the main driver for diversity of skin pigmentation. Dark melanin acts to protect against the deleterious effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, including photo-aging and skin cancer formation. In turn, UV radiation activates skin melanocytes to induce further pigmentation (i.e., "tanning pathway"). The well-characterized MSH/MC1R-cAMP-MITF pathway regulates UV-induced melanization. Pharmacologic activation of this pathway ("sunless tanning") represents a potential strategy for skin cancer prevention, particularly in those with light skin or the "red hair" phenotype who tan poorly after UV exposure due to MC1R inactivating polymorphisms. Skin hyperpigmentation can also occur as a result of inflammatory processes and dermatological disorders such as melasma. While primarily of cosmetic concern, these conditions can dramatically impact quality of life of affected patients. Several topical agents are utilized to treat skin pigmentation disorders. Here, we review melanogenesis induced by UV exposure and the agents that target this pathway.
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11
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Bian F, Yang X, Ou Z, Luo J, Tan B, Yuan M, Chen T, Yang R. Morphological Characteristics and Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Three Different Phenotypes of Pristella maxillaris. Front Genet 2019; 10:698. [PMID: 31428133 PMCID: PMC6687772 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pristella maxillaris is known as the X-ray fish based on its translucent body. However, the morphological characteristics and the molecular regulatory mechanisms of these translucent bodies are still unknown. In this study, the following three phenotypes, a black-and-gray body color or wild-type (WT), a silvery-white body color defined as mutant I (MU1), and a fully transparent body with a visible visceral mass named as mutant II (MU2), were investigated to analyze their chromatophores and molecular mechanisms. The variety and distribution of pigment cells in the three phenotypes of P. maxillaris significantly differed by histological assessment. Three types of chromatophores (melanophores, iridophores, and xanthophores) were observed in the WT, whereas MU1 fish were deficient in melanophores, and MU2 fish lacked melanophores and iridophores. Transcriptome sequencing of the skin and peritoneal tissues of P. maxillaris identified a total of 166,089 unigenes. After comparing intergroup gene expression levels, more than 3,000 unigenes with significantly differential expression levels were identified among three strains. Functional annotation and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified a number of candidates melanophores and iridophores genes that influence body color. Some DEGs that were identified using transcriptome analysis were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. This study serves as a global survey of the morphological characteristics and molecular mechanism of different body colors observed in P. maxillaris and thus provides a valuable theoretical foundation for the molecular regulation of the transparent phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Bian
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuefen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhijie Ou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Fisheries, Guangdong Maoming Agriculture & Forestry Technical College, Maoming, China
| | - Junzhi Luo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bozhen Tan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingrui Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tiansheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Health Production of Fisheries in Hunan Province, Changde, China
| | - Ruibin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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12
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Anello M, Daverio MS, Silbestro MB, Vidal-Rioja L, Di Rocco F. Characterization and expression analysis of KIT and MITF-M genes in llamas and their relation to white coat color. Anim Genet 2019; 50:143-149. [PMID: 30730042 DOI: 10.1111/age.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The llama (Lama glama) is a fiber-producing species that presents a wide range of coat colors, among which white is one of the most important for the textile industry. However, there is little information about the molecular mechanisms that control the white phenotype in this species. In domestic mammals, a white coat is usually produced by mutations in the KIT proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) genes. In this work we have sequenced and described the coding regions of KIT and MITF-M, the melanocyte-specific isoform, and the two transcriptional variants MITF-M(-) and MITF-M(+). Moreover, we studied the expression of these genes in the skin of white and colored llamas. Although no variants were revealed to be associated with white coat color, significant differences between phenotypes were observed in the expression levels of KIT and MITF-M. Interestingly, white llamas expressed less MITF-M(+) than did colored ones, which is consistent with a consequent reduction in the synthesis of melanin. Even though our results indicate that downregulation of KIT and MITF-M expression is involved in white phenotype production in llamas, the causative gene of white coat color remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Anello
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), CONICET-UNLP-CIC, Calle 526 e/10 y 11, La Plata, 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M S Daverio
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), CONICET-UNLP-CIC, Calle 526 e/10 y 11, La Plata, 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M B Silbestro
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), CONICET-UNLP-CIC, Calle 526 e/10 y 11, La Plata, 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Vidal-Rioja
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), CONICET-UNLP-CIC, Calle 526 e/10 y 11, La Plata, 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F Di Rocco
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), CONICET-UNLP-CIC, Calle 526 e/10 y 11, La Plata, 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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13
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Swope VB, Abdel-Malek ZA. MC1R: Front and Center in the Bright Side of Dark Eumelanin and DNA Repair. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2667. [PMID: 30205559 PMCID: PMC6163888 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanin, the pigment produced by specialized cells, melanocytes, is responsible for skin and hair color. Skin pigmentation is an important protective mechanism against the DNA damaging and mutagenic effects of solar ultraviolet radiation (UV). It is acknowledged that exposure to UV is the main etiological environmental factor for all forms of skin cancer, including melanoma. DNA repair capacity is another major factor that determines the risk for skin cancer. Human melanocytes synthesize eumelanin, the dark brown form of melanin, as well as pheomelanin, which is reddish-yellow in color. The relative rates of eumelanin and pheomelanin synthesis by melanocytes determine skin color and the sensitivity of skin to the drastic effects of solar UV. Understanding the complex regulation of melanocyte function and how it responds to solar UV has a huge impact on developing novel photoprotective strategies to prevent skin cancer, particularly melanoma, the most fatal form, which originates from melanocytes. This review provides an overview of the known differences in the photoprotective effects of eumelanin versus pheomelanin, how these two forms of melanin are regulated genetically and biochemically, and their impact on the DNA damaging effects of UV exposure. Additionally, this review briefly discusses the role of paracrine factors, focusing on α-melanocortin (α-melanocyte stimulating hormone; α-MSH), in regulating melanogenesis and the response of melanocytes to UV, and describes a chemoprevention strategy based on targeting the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) by analogs of its physiological agonist α-MSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viki B Swope
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Zalfa A Abdel-Malek
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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14
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Zhang Y, Liu J, Peng L, Ren L, Zhang H, Zou L, Liu W, Xiao Y. Comparative transcriptome analysis of molecular mechanism underlying gray-to-red body color formation in red crucian carp (Carassius auratus, red var.). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2017; 43:1387-1398. [PMID: 28676950 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-017-0379-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var.) is an ornamental fish with vivid red/orange color. It has been found that the adult body color of this strain forms a gray-to-red change. In this study, skin transcriptomes of red crucian carp are first obtained for three different stages of body color development, named by gray-color (GC), color-variation (CV), and red-color (RC) stages, respectively. From the skins of GC, CV, and RC, 103,229; 108,208; and 120,184 transcripts have been identified, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis reveals that 2483, 2967, and 4473 unigenes are differentially expressed between CV and GC, RC and CV, and RC and GC, respectively. A part of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are involved in the signaling pathway of pigment synthesis, such as the melanogenesis genes (Mitfa, Pax3a, Foxd3, Mc1r, Asip); tyrosine metabolism genes (Tyr, Dct, Tyrp1, Silva, Tat, Hpda); and pteridine metabolism genes (Gch, Xdh, Ptps, Tc). According to the data of transcriptome and quantitative PCR, the expression of Mitfa and its regulated genes which include the genes of Tyr, Tyrp1, Dct, Tfe3a, and Baxα, decreases with gray-to-red change. It is suggested that Mitfa and some genes, being related to melanin synthesis or melanophore development, are closely related to the gray-to-red body color transformation in the red crucian carp. Furthermore, the DEGs of cell apoptosis and autophagy pathway, such as Tfe3a, Baxα, Hsp70, Beclin1, Lc3, Atg9a, and Atg4a, might be involved in the melanocytes fade away of juvenile fish. These results shed light on the regulation mechanism of gray-to-red body color transformation in red crucian carp, and are helpful to the selective breeding of ornamental fish strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
| | - Jinhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
| | - Liangyue Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
| | - Li Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
| | - Huiqin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
| | - Lijun Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China.
| | - Yamei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China.
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15
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Ren H, Wang G, Jiang J, Li J, Fu L, Liu L, Li N, Zhao J, Sun X, Zhang L, Zhang H, Zhou P. Comparative transcriptome and histological analyses provide insights into the prenatal skin pigmentation in goat ( Capra hircus). Physiol Genomics 2017; 49:703-711. [PMID: 28972038 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00072.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Youzhou dark goat is a natural mutant with dark skin over the whole body including the visible mucous membranes. In the present study, we characterized 100-day-old fetal skin at the histomorphological and transcriptomic levels in dark-skinned (Youzhou dark goat) and white-skinned (Yudong white goat) goats with deep RNA sequencing, quantitative PCR, and histological methods. Histological analysis indicated that there were marked differences in both melanin distribution and epidermal ultrastructure between the hyperpigmented and normal skin in two breeds of goat. Subsequent analyses suggested that a presumed structure variation (duplication or insertion) in ASIP might be responsible for its lower expression in the hyperpigmented skin (Youzhou dark goat) by determining the distribution of melanocytes across the body at early development stage. Analyses for genes with differential expression between the dark-skinned and white-skinned goats indicated the network composed of ASIP-MC1R, ECM-receptor interaction, and MAPK signaling might play crucial roles in the determination of skin pigmentation in fetal goats. Moreover, we also identified 1,616 novel transcripts in goat skin by RNA sequencing, which may represent two distinct groups of transcript based on their characteristics. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the characteristics of global gene expression in early-stage skin pigmentation and development and describe an animal model for human diseases associated with pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangxing Ren
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Gaofu Wang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Jing Jiang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Jie Li
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Lin Fu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Liangjia Liu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Nianfu Li
- Youyang Animal Husbandry Bureau, Youyang, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinhong Zhao
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Li Zhang
- Youyang Animal Husbandry Bureau, Youyang, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Youyang Animal Husbandry Bureau, Youyang, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, Chongqing, China; and
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16
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San-Jose LM, Ducrest AL, Ducret V, Simon C, Richter H, Wakamatsu K, Roulin A. MC1R variants affect the expression of melanocortin and melanogenic genes and the association between melanocortin genes and coloration. Mol Ecol 2016; 26:259-276. [PMID: 27664794 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene influences coloration by altering the expression of genes acting downstream in the melanin synthesis. MC1R belongs to the melanocortin system, a genetic network coding for the ligands that regulate MC1R and other melanocortin receptors controlling different physiological and behavioural traits. The impact of MC1R variants on these regulatory melanocortin genes was never considered, even though MC1R mutations could alter the influence of these genes on coloration (e.g. by decreasing MC1R response to melanocortin ligands). Using barn owl growing feathers, we investigated the differences between MC1R genotypes in the (co)expression of six melanocortin and nine melanogenic-related genes and in the association between melanocortin gene expression and phenotype (feather pheomelanin content). Compared to the MC1R rufous allele, responsible for reddish coloration, the white allele was not only associated with an expected lower expression of melanogenic-related genes (TYR, TYRP1, OCA2, SLC45A2, KIT, DCT) but also with a lower MC1R expression and a higher expression of ASIP, the MC1R antagonist. More importantly, the expression of PCSK2, responsible for the maturation of the MC1R agonist, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, was positively related to pheomelanin content in MC1R white homozygotes but not in individuals carrying the MC1R rufous allele. These findings indicate that MC1R mutations not only alter the expression of melanogenic-related genes but also the association between coloration and the expression of melanocortin genes upstream of MC1R. This suggests that MC1R mutations can modulate the regulation of coloration by the pleiotropic melanocortin genes, potentially decoupling the often-observed associations between coloration and other phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M San-Jose
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Lyse Ducrest
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valérie Ducret
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Céline Simon
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hannes Richter
- Centre for Integrative Genomics, Genomic Technologies Facility, University of Lausanne, Genopode Building, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Alexandre Roulin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Wolf Horrell EM, Boulanger MC, D’Orazio JA. Melanocortin 1 Receptor: Structure, Function, and Regulation. Front Genet 2016; 7:95. [PMID: 27303435 PMCID: PMC4885833 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a melanocytic Gs protein coupled receptor that regulates skin pigmentation, UV responses, and melanoma risk. It is a highly polymorphic gene, and loss of function correlates with a fair, UV-sensitive, and melanoma-prone phenotype due to defective epidermal melanization and sub-optimal DNA repair. MC1R signaling, achieved through adenylyl cyclase activation and generation of the second messenger cAMP, is hormonally controlled by the positive agonist melanocortin, the negative agonist agouti signaling protein, and the neutral antagonist β-defensin 3. Activation of cAMP signaling up-regulates melanin production and deposition in the epidermis which functions to limit UV penetration into the skin and enhances nucleotide excision repair (NER), the genomic stability pathway responsible for clearing UV photolesions from DNA to avoid mutagenesis. Herein we review MC1R structure and function and summarize our laboratory's findings on the molecular mechanisms by which MC1R signaling impacts NER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. Wolf Horrell
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of MedicineLexington, KY, USA
| | - Mary C. Boulanger
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of MedicineLexington, KY, USA
| | - John A. D’Orazio
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of MedicineLexington, KY, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of MedicineLexington, KY, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Physiology, and Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of MedicineLexington, KY, USA
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18
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Binstock M, Hafeez F, Metchnikoff C, Arron S. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in pigment genes and nonmelanoma skin cancer predisposition: a systematic review. Br J Dermatol 2014; 171:713-21. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Binstock
- Department of Dermatology University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94115 U.S.A
| | - F. Hafeez
- Department of Dermatology University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94115 U.S.A
| | - C. Metchnikoff
- Department of Dermatology University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94115 U.S.A
| | - S.T. Arron
- Department of Dermatology University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94115 U.S.A
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19
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Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the genetic basis of skin color variation in common carp. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108200. [PMID: 25255374 PMCID: PMC4177847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The common carp is an important aquaculture species that is widely distributed across the world. During the long history of carp domestication, numerous carp strains with diverse skin colors have been established. Skin color is used as a visual criterion to determine the market value of carp. However, the genetic basis of common carp skin color has not been extensively studied. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we performed Illumina sequencing on two common carp strains: the reddish Xingguo red carp and the brownish-black Yellow River carp. A total of 435,348,868 reads were generated, resulting in 198,781 assembled contigs that were used as reference sequences. Comparisons of skin transcriptome files revealed 2,012 unigenes with significantly different expression in the two common carp strains, including 874 genes that were up-regulated in Xingguo red carp and 1,138 genes that were up-regulated in Yellow River carp. The expression patterns of 20 randomly selected differentially expressed genes were validated using quantitative RT-PCR. Gene pathway analysis of the differentially expressed genes indicated that melanin biosynthesis, along with the Wnt and MAPK signaling pathways, is highly likely to affect the skin pigmentation process. Several key genes involved in the skin pigmentation process, including TYRP1, SILV, ASIP and xCT, showed significant differences in their expression patterns between the two strains. Conclusions In this study, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis of Xingguo red carp and Yellow River carp skins, and we detected key genes involved in the common carp skin pigmentation process. We propose that common carp skin pigmentation depends upon at least three pathways. Understanding fish skin color genetics will facilitate future molecular selection of the fish skin colors with high market values.
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20
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Melanocortins and the melanocortin 1 receptor, moving translationally towards melanoma prevention. Arch Biochem Biophys 2014; 563:4-12. [PMID: 25017567 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Beginning in the last decade of the twentieth century, the fields of pigment cell research and melanoma have witnessed major breakthroughs in the understanding of the role of melanocortins in human pigmentation and the DNA damage response of human melanocytes to solar ultraviolet radiation (UV). This began with the cloning of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene from human melanocytes and the demonstration that the encoded receptor is functional. Subsequently, population studies found that the MC1R gene is highly polymorphic, and that some of its variants are associated with red hair phenotype, fair skin and poor tanning ability. Using human melanocytes cultured from donors with different MC1R genotypes revealed that the alleles associated with red hair color encode for a non-functional receptor. Epidemiological studies linked the MC1R red hair color variants to increased melanoma risk. Investigating the impact of different MC1R variants on the response of human melanocytes to UV led to the important discovery that the MC1R signaling activates antioxidant, DNA repair and survival pathways, in addition to stimulation of eumelanin synthesis. These effects of MC1R were absent in melanocytes expressing 2 MC1R red hair color variants that result in loss of function of the receptor. The importance of the MC1R in reducing UV-induced genotoxicity in melanocytes led us to design small peptide analogs of the physiological MC1R agonist α-melanocortin (α-melanocyte stimulating hormone; α-MSH) for the goal of utilizing them for melanoma chemoprevention.
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21
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García-Borrón JC, Abdel-Malek Z, Jiménez-Cervantes C. MC1R, the cAMP pathway, and the response to solar UV: extending the horizon beyond pigmentation. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2014; 27:699-720. [PMID: 24807163 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a G protein-coupled receptor crucial for the regulation of melanocyte proliferation and function. Upon binding melanocortins, MC1R activates several signaling cascades, notably the cAMP pathway leading to synthesis of photoprotective eumelanin. Polymorphisms in the MC1R gene are a major source of normal variation of human hair color and skin pigmentation, response to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and skin cancer susceptibility. The identification of a surprisingly high number of MC1R natural variants strongly associated with pigmentary phenotypes and increased skin cancer risk has prompted research on the functional properties of the wild-type receptor and frequent mutant alleles. We summarize current knowledge on MC1R structural and functional properties, as well as on its intracellular trafficking and signaling. We also review the current knowledge about the function of MC1R as a skin cancer, particularly melanoma, susceptibility gene and how it modulates the response of melanocytes to UVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose C García-Borrón
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biomédica (IMIB), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
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22
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Emaresi G, Ducrest AL, Bize P, Richter H, Simon C, Roulin A. Pleiotropy in the melanocortin system: expression levels of this system are associated with melanogenesis and pigmentation in the tawny owl (Strix aluco). Mol Ecol 2013; 22:4915-30. [PMID: 24033481 DOI: 10.1111/mec.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The adaptive function of melanin-based coloration is a long-standing debate. A recent genetic model suggested that pleiotropy could account for covariations between pigmentation, behaviour, morphology, physiology and life history traits. We explored whether the expression levels of genes belonging to the melanocortin system (MC1R, POMC, PC1/3, PC2 and the antagonist ASIP), which have many pleiotropic effects, are associated with melanogenesis (through variation in the expression of the genes MITF, SLC7A11, TYR, TYRP1) and in turn melanin-based coloration. We considered the tawny owl (Strix aluco) because individuals vary continuously from light to dark reddish, and thus, colour variation is likely to stem from differences in the levels of gene expression. We measured gene expression in feather bases collected in nestlings at the time of melanin production. As expected, the melanocortin system was associated with the expression of melanogenic genes and pigmentation. Offspring of darker reddish fathers expressed PC1/3 to lower levels but tended to express PC2 to higher levels. The convertase enzyme PC1/3 cleaves the POMC prohormone to obtain ACTH, while the convertase enzyme PC2 cleaves ACTH to produce α-melanin-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). ACTH regulates glucocorticoids, hormones that modulate stress responses, while α-MSH induces eumelanogenesis. We therefore conclude that the melanocortin system, through the convertase enzymes PC1/3 and PC2, may account for part of the interindividual variation in melanin-based coloration in nestling tawny owls. Pleiotropy may thus account for the covariation between phenotypic traits involved in social interactions (here pigmentation) and life history, morphology, behaviour and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Emaresi
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore Building, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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23
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Lee AY, Noh M. The regulation of epidermal melanogenesis via cAMP and/or PKC signaling pathways: insights for the development of hypopigmenting agents. Arch Pharm Res 2013; 36:792-801. [PMID: 23604723 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-013-0130-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal pigmentation, particularly hyperpigmentation, is major issue of concern for people with colored skin. Several hypopigmenting agents, which exert their action by inhibiting tyrosinase activity and/or transcription, have been used for treatment. However, results have been discouraging. To manage abnormal pigmentation properly, the mechanisms of melanogenesis should be understood. Endogenous and exogenous factors affect melanogenesis via intracellular machineries. cAMP and PKC are critical factors of important transduction pathways and cross-talk between them could amplify the melanogenic effect. Here, factors involved in melanogenesis regulation via cAMP and/or PKC pathways are reviewed with their action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Young Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Dongguk University Seoul, Graduate School of Medicine, 814 Siksa-dong, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 410-773, South Korea.
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24
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Chung H, Lee JH, Jeong D, Han IO, Oh ES. Melanocortin 1 receptor regulates melanoma cell migration by controlling syndecan-2 expression. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:19326-35. [PMID: 22493442 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.334730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), a key regulator of melanogenesis, is known to control inflammation, acting in concert with the MC1R ligand α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Although cell migration is a key event in inflammation, few studies have addressed the function of MC1R in this context. Using highly motile melanoma cells, we found that the expression level of MC1R was associated with the extent of migration of mouse melanoma cells, suggesting that MC1R plays a functional role in controlling this migration. Overexpression of MC1R enhanced melanoma cell migration, whereas the opposite was true when MC1R levels were knocked down using small inhibitory RNAs. Interestingly, MC1R expression enhanced the synthesis of syndecan-2, a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan known to be involved in melanoma cell migration. Knockdown of syndecan-2 expression decreased MC1R-mediated cell migration. Further, MC1R inhibited the activation of p38 MAPK, subsequently enhancing expression of sydnecan-2, in parallel with an increase in the extent of cell migration. Consistently, activation of p38 by H(2)O(2) inhibited syndecan-2 expression and cell migration, whereas inhibition of p38 activation enhanced syndecan-2 expression and cell migration. Finally, we found that α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone inhibited MC1R-mediated cell migration via activation of p38 and inhibition of syndecan-2 expression. Together, the data strongly suggest that MC1R regulates melanoma cell migration via inhibition of syndecan-2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heesung Chung
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Center for Cell Signaling & Drug Discovery Research, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, Korea
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Targeting protein-trafficking pathways alters melanoma treatment sensitivity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 109:553-8. [PMID: 22203954 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1118366109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-trafficking pathways are targeted here in human melanoma cells using methods independent of oncogene mutational status, and the ability to up-regulate and down-regulate tumor treatment sensitivity is demonstrated. Sensitivity of melanoma cells to cis-diaminedichloroplatinum II (cDDP, cis-platin), carboplatin, dacarbazine, or temozolomide together with velaparib, an inhibitor of poly (ADP ribose) polymerase 1, is increased by up to 10-fold by targeting genes that regulate both protein trafficking and the formation of melanosomes, intracellular organelles unique to melanocytes and melanoma cells. Melanoma cells depleted of either of the protein-trafficking regulators vacuolar protein sorting 33A protein (VPS33A) or cappuccino protein (CNO) have increased nuclear localization of cDDP, increased nuclear DNA damage by platination, and increased apoptosis, resulting in increased treatment sensitivity. Depleted cells also exhibit a decreased proportion of intracellular, mature melanosomes compared with undepleted cells. Modulation of protein trafficking via cell-surface signaling by binding the melanocortin 1 receptor with the antagonist agouti-signaling protein decreased the proportion of mature melanosomes formed and increased cDDP sensitivity, whereas receptor binding with the agonist melanocyte-stimulating hormone resulted in an increased proportion of mature melanosomes formed and in decreased sensitivity (i.e., increased resistance) to cDDP. Mutation of the protein-trafficking gene Hps6, known to impair the formation of mature melanosomes, also increased cDDP sensitivity. Together, these results indicate that targeting protein-trafficking molecules markedly increases melanoma treatment sensitivity and influences the degree of melanosomes available for sequestration of therapeutic agents.
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Yamamuro Y, Shiraishi A. Genotype-dependent participation of coat color gene loci in the behavioral traits of laboratory mice. Behav Processes 2011; 88:81-7. [PMID: 21854838 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2011.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Revised: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Cerdá-Reverter JM, Agulleiro MJ, R RG, Sánchez E, Ceinos R, Rotllant J. Fish melanocortin system. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 660:53-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.10.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2010] [Revised: 09/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Manceau M, Domingues VS, Mallarino R, Hoekstra HE. The developmental role of Agouti in color pattern evolution. Science 2011; 331:1062-5. [PMID: 21350176 DOI: 10.1126/science.1200684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Animal color patterns can affect fitness in the wild; however, little is known about the mechanisms that control their formation and subsequent evolution. We took advantage of two locally camouflaged populations of Peromyscus mice to show that the negative regulator of adult pigmentation, Agouti, also plays a key developmental role in color pattern evolution. Genetic and functional analyses showed that ventral-specific embryonic expression of Agouti establishes a prepattern by delaying the terminal differentiation of ventral melanocytes. Moreover, a skin-specific increase in both the level and spatial domain of Agouti expression prevents melanocyte maturation in a regionalized manner, resulting in a novel and adaptive color pattern. Thus, natural selection favors late-acting, tissue-specific changes in embryonic Agouti expression to produce large changes in adult color pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Manceau
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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Involvement of the melanocortin-1 receptor in acute pain and pain of inflammatory but not neuropathic origin. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12498. [PMID: 20856883 PMCID: PMC2938350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2010] [Accepted: 08/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Response to painful stimuli is susceptible to genetic variation. Numerous loci have been identified which contribute to this variation, one of which, MC1R, is better known as a gene involved in mammalian hair colour. MC1R is a G protein-coupled receptor expressed in melanocytes and elsewhere and mice lacking MC1R have yellow hair, whilst humans with variant MC1R protein have red hair. Previous work has found differences in acute pain perception, and response to analgesia in mice and humans with mutations or variants in MC1R. Methodology and Principal Findings We have tested responses to noxious and non-noxious stimuli in mutant mice which lack MC1R, or which overexpress an endogenous antagonist of the receptor, as well as controls. We have also examined the response of these mice to inflammatory pain, assessing the hyperalgesia and allodynia associated with persistent inflammation, and their response to neuropathic pain. Finally we tested by a paired preference paradigm their aversion to oral administration of capsaicin, which activates the noxious heat receptor TRPV1. Female mice lacking MC1R showed increased tolerance to noxious heat and no alteration in their response to non-noxious mechanical stimuli. MC1R mutant females, and females overexpressing the endogenous MC1R antagonist, agouti signalling protein, had a reduced formalin-induced inflammatory pain response, and a delayed development of inflammation-induced hyperalgesia and allodynia. In addition they had a decreased aversion to capsaicin at moderate concentrations. Male mutant mice showed no difference from their respective controls. Mice of either sex did not show any effect of mutant genotype on neuropathic pain. Conclusions We demonstrate a sex-specific role for MC1R in acute noxious thermal responses and pain of inflammatory origin.
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Walker WP, Gunn TM. Shades of meaning: the pigment-type switching system as a tool for discovery. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2010; 23:485-95. [PMID: 20465596 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-148x.2010.00721.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The pigment-type switching system, which controls whether melanocytes produce black/brown eumelanin or yellow/red pheomelanin, is responsible for many familiar coat coloration patterns in both domestic and wild mammals. In conjunction with the accessory proteins attractin and mahogunin ring finger 1, endogenous agonists and antagonists modulate signaling by the melanocortin 1 receptor to determine pigment type. Mutations in pigment-type switching genes can cause a variety of pleiotropic phenotypes, and these are often similar between mutants at different loci because the proteins encoded by these genes act together as part of conserved molecular pathways that are deployed in multiple biological contexts. When this is the case, pigment-type switching provides a powerful model system for elucidating the shared molecular mechanisms underlying the pigmentary and non-pigmentary phenotypes. This review outlines the current understanding of the pigment-type switching pathway and discusses the opportunities that exist for exploring the molecular basis of pleiotropic phenotypes using this model system.
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Beaumont KA, Liu YY, Sturm RA. The melanocortin-1 receptor gene polymorphism and association with human skin cancer. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2009; 88:85-153. [PMID: 20374726 DOI: 10.1016/s1877-1173(09)88004-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is a key gene involved in the regulation of melanin synthesis and encodes a G-protein coupled receptor expressed on the surface of the melanocyte in the skin and hair follicles. MC1R activation after ultraviolet radiation exposure results in the production of the dark eumelanin pigment and the tanning process in humans, providing physical protection against DNA damage. The MC1R gene is highly polymorphic in Caucasian populations with a number of MC1R variant alleles associated with red hair, fair skin, freckling, poor tanning, and increased risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. Variant receptors have shown alterations in biochemical function, largely due to intracellular retention or impaired G-protein coupling, but retain some signaling ability. The association of MC1R variant alleles with skin cancer risk remains after correction for pigmentation phenotype, indicating regulation of nonpigmentary pathways. Notably, MC1R activation has been linked to DNA repair and may also contribute to the regulation of immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley A Beaumont
- Melanogenix Group, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
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Griffiths CEM, Ortonne JP. Editorial. J DERMATOL TREAT 2009. [DOI: 10.3109/09546639709160524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Hida T, Wakamatsu K, Sviderskaya EV, Donkin AJ, Montoliu L, Lynn Lamoreux M, Yu B, Millhauser GL, Ito S, Barsh GS, Jimbow K, Bennett DC. Agouti protein, mahogunin, and attractin in pheomelanogenesis and melanoblast-like alteration of melanocytes: a cAMP-independent pathway. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2009; 22:623-34. [PMID: 19493315 PMCID: PMC2784899 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-148x.2009.00582.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) and its ligands, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH) and agouti signaling protein (ASIP), regulate switching between eumelanin and pheomelanin synthesis in melanocytes. Here we investigated biological effects and signaling pathways of ASIP. Melan-a non agouti (a/a) mouse melanocytes produce mainly eumelanin, but ASIP combined with phenylthiourea and extra cysteine could induce over 200-fold increases in the pheomelanin to eumelanin ratio, and a tan-yellow color in pelletted cells. Moreover, ASIP-treated cells showed reduced proliferation and a melanoblast-like appearance, seen also in melanocyte lines from yellow (Ay/a and Mc1re/ Mc1re) mice. However ASIP-YY, a C-terminal fragment of ASIP, induced neither biological nor pigmentary changes. As, like ASIP, ASIP-YY inhibited the cAMP rise induced by αMSH analog NDP-MSH, and reduced cAMP level without added MSH, the morphological changes and depigmentation seemed independent of cAMP signaling. Melanocytes genetically null for ASIP mediators attractin or mahogunin (Atrnmg-3J/mg-3J or Mgrn1md-nc/md-nc) also responded to both ASIP and ASIP-YY in cAMP level, while only ASIP altered their proliferation and (in part) shape. Thus, ASIP–MC1R signaling includes a cAMP-independent pathway through attractin and mahogunin, while the known cAMP-dependent component requires neither attractin nor mahogunin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tokimasa Hida
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
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Richardson J, Lundegaard PR, Reynolds NL, Dorin JR, Porteous DJ, Jackson IJ, Patton EE. mc1r Pathway regulation of zebrafish melanosome dispersion. Zebrafish 2009; 5:289-95. [PMID: 19133827 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2008.0541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish rapidly alter their pigmentation in response to environmental changes. For black melanocytes, this change is due to aggregation or dispersion of melanin in the cell. Dispersion and aggregation are controlled by intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, which increase upon stimulation by alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) or reduce with melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH). In mammals and birds, the melanocortin-1-receptor (MC1R) responds to MSH, and stimulates the synthesis of black eumelanin. While MSH-cAMP signaling stimulates melanogenesis in mammals, and melanosome dispersal in cold-blood vertebrates, the pathway components are highly conserved. However, it has only been assumed that mc1r mediates melanosome dispersal in fish. Here, using morpholino oligonucleotides designed to knockdown mc1r expression, we find that mc1r morphants are unable to disperse melanosomes when grown in dark conditions. We also use chemical modifiers of the cAMP pathway, and find an unexpected response to the specific phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, rolipram, in melanosome dispersal. When treated with the drug, melanosomes fail to fully disperse in dark conditions, despite presumed increased levels of cAMP, and in contrast to the effects of the nonselective PDE inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. In conclusion, we demonstrate a direct role for mc1r in zebrafish melanosome dispersal in response to background, and use chemical modification of this pathway to uncover a possible new layer of regulation in melanosome dispersal in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Richardson
- Institute for Genetics & Molecular Medicine , MRC Human Genetics Unit and The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Abdel-Malek ZA. Agouti signal protein: crossing the 'yellow' signal and arriving to pathways that affect tumorgenesis. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2009; 22:253-4. [PMID: 19323793 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-148x.2009.00564.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Le Pape E, Passeron T, Giubellino A, Valencia JC, Wolber R, Hearing VJ. Microarray analysis sheds light on the dedifferentiating role of agouti signal protein in murine melanocytes via the Mc1r. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:1802-7. [PMID: 19174519 PMCID: PMC2644118 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0806753106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2008] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is a key regulator of pigmentation in mammals and is tightly linked to an increased risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, in humans. Physiologically activated by alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alphaMSH), MC1R function can be antagonized by a secreted factor, agouti signal protein (ASP), which is responsible for the lighter phenotypes in mammals (including humans), and is also associated with increased risk of skin cancer. It is therefore of great interest to characterize the molecular effects elicited by those MC1R ligands. In this study, we determined the gene expression profiles of murine melan-a melanocytes treated with ASP or alphaMSH over a 4-day time course using genome-wide oligonucleotide microarrays. As expected, there were significant reductions in expression of numerous melanogenic proteins elicited by ASP, which correlates with its inhibition of pigmentation. ASP also unexpectedly modulated the expression of genes involved in various other cellular pathways, including glutathione synthesis and redox metabolism. Many genes up-regulated by ASP are involved in morphogenesis (especially in nervous system development), cell adhesion, and extracellular matrix-receptor interactions. Concomitantly, ASP enhanced the migratory potential and the invasiveness of melanocytic cells in vitro. These results demonstrate the role of ASP in the dedifferentiation of melanocytes, identify pigment-related genes targeted by ASP and by alphaMSH, and provide insights into the pleiotropic molecular effects of MC1R signaling that may function during development and may affect skin cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Le Pape
- Pigment Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Cell Biology
| | | | - Alessio Giubellino
- Urologic Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892; and
| | | | - Rainer Wolber
- Beiersdorf AG, Research and Development, Skin Research Center, 20245 Hamburg, Germany
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Robila V, Ostankovitch M, Altrich-VanLith ML, Theos AC, Drover S, Marks MS, Restifo N, Engelhard VH. MHC class II presentation of gp100 epitopes in melanoma cells requires the function of conventional endosomes and is influenced by melanosomes. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2008; 181:7843-52. [PMID: 19017974 PMCID: PMC2659719 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.11.7843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Many human solid tumors express MHC class II (MHC-II) molecules, and proteins normally localized to melanosomes give rise to MHC-II-restricted epitopes in melanoma. However, the pathways by which this response occurs have not been defined. We analyzed the processing of one such epitope, gp100(44-59), derived from gp100/Pmel17. In melanomas that have down-regulated components of the melanosomal pathway, but constitutively express HLA-DR*0401, the majority of gp100 is sorted to LAMP-1(high)/MHC-II(+) late endosomes. Using mutant gp100 molecules with altered intracellular trafficking, we demonstrate that endosomal localization is necessary for gp100(44-59) presentation. By depletion of the AP-2 adaptor protein using small interfering RNA, we demonstrate that gp100 protein internalized from the plasma membrane to such endosomes is a major source for gp100(44-59) epitope production. The gp100 trapped in early endosomes gives rise to epitopes that are indistinguishable from those produced in late endosomes but their production is less sensitive to inhibition of lysosomal proteases. In melanomas containing melanosomes, gp100 is underrepresented in late endosomes, and accumulates in stage II melanosomes devoid of MHC-II molecules. The gp100(44-59) presentation is dramatically reduced, and processing occurs entirely in early endosomes or stage I melanosomes. This occurrence suggests that melanosomes are inefficient Ag-processing compartments. Thus, melanoma de-differentiation may be accompanied by increased presentation of MHC-II restricted epitopes from gp100 and other melanosome-localized proteins, leading to enhanced immune recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Robila
- Department of Microbiology and Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville VA 22908
| | - Marina Ostankovitch
- Department of Microbiology and Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville VA 22908
| | - Michelle L. Altrich-VanLith
- Department of Microbiology and Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville VA 22908
| | - Alexander C. Theos
- Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA 19104
| | - Sheila Drover
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NF Canada A1B3V6
| | - Michael S. Marks
- Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA 19104
| | - Nicholas Restifo
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Victor H. Engelhard
- Department of Microbiology and Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville VA 22908
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Le Pape E, Wakamatsu K, Ito S, Wolber R, Hearing VJ. Regulation of eumelanin/pheomelanin synthesis and visible pigmentation in melanocytes by ligands of the melanocortin 1 receptor. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2008; 21:477-86. [PMID: 18627531 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-148x.2008.00479.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The production of melanin in the hair and skin is tightly regulated by the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) whose activation is controlled by two secreted ligands, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alphaMSH) and agouti signal protein (ASP). As melanin is extremely stable, lasting years in biological tissues, the mechanism underlying the relatively rapid decrease in visible pigmentation elicited by ASP is of obvious interest. In this study, the effects of ASP and alphaMSH on the regulation of melanin synthesis and on visible pigmentation were assessed in normal murine melanocytes and were compared with the quick depigmenting effect of the tyrosinase inhibitor, phenylthiourea (PTU). alphaMSH increased pheomelanin levels prior to increasing eumelanin content over 4 days of treatment. Conversely, ASP switched off the pigment synthesis pathway, reducing eu- and pheo-melanin synthesis within 1 day of treatment that was proportional to the decrease in tyrosinase protein level and activity. These results demonstrate that the visible depigmentation of melanocytes induced by ASP does not require the degradation of existing melanin but rather is due to the dilution of existing melanin by melanocyte turnover, which emphasizes the importance of pigment distribution to visible color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Le Pape
- Pigment Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Abdel-Malek ZA, Knittel J, Kadekaro AL, Swope VB, Starner R. The melanocortin 1 receptor and the UV response of human melanocytes--a shift in paradigm. Photochem Photobiol 2008; 84:501-8. [PMID: 18282187 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2008.00294.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous pigmentation is the major photoprotective mechanism against the carcinogenic and aging effects of UV. Epidermal melanocytes synthesize the pigment melanin, in the form of eumelanin or pheomelanin. Synthesis of the photoprotective eumelanin by human melanocytes is regulated mainly by the melanocortins alpha-melanocortin (alpha-MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which bind the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) and activate the cAMP pathway that is required for UV-induced tanning. Melanocortins stimulate proliferation and melanogenesis and inhibit UV-induced apoptosis of human melanocytes. Importantly, melanocortins reduce the generation of hydrogen peroxide and enhance repair of DNA photoproducts, independently of pigmentation. MC1R is a major contributor to the diversity of human pigmentation and a melanoma susceptibility gene. Certain allelic variants of this gene, namely R151C, R160W and D294H, are strongly associated with red hair phenotype and increased melanoma susceptibility. Natural expression of two of these variants sensitizes melanocytes to the cytotoxic effect of UV, and increases the burden of DNA damage and oxidative stress. We are designing potent melanocortin analogs that mimic the effects of alpha-MSH as a strategy to prevent skin cancer, particularly in individuals who express MC1R genotypes that reduce but do not abolish MC1R function, or mutations in other melanoma susceptibility genes, such as p16.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zalfa A Abdel-Malek
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Watabe H, Valencia JC, Le Pape E, Yamaguchi Y, Nakamura M, Rouzaud F, Hoashi T, Kawa Y, Mizoguchi M, Hearing VJ. Involvement of dynein and spectrin with early melanosome transport and melanosomal protein trafficking. J Invest Dermatol 2007; 128:162-74. [PMID: 17687388 PMCID: PMC2167631 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jid.5701019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Melanosomes are unique membrane-bound organelles specialized for the synthesis and distribution of melanin. Mechanisms involved in the trafficking of proteins to melanosomes and in the transport of mature pigmented melanosomes to the dendrites of melanocytic cells are being characterized, but details about those processes during early stages of melanosome maturation are not well understood. Early melanosomes must remain in the perinuclear area until critical components are assembled. In this study, we characterized the processing of two distinct melanosomal proteins, tyrosinase (TYR) and Pmel17, to elucidate protein processing in early or late steps of the secretory pathway, respectively, and to determine mechanisms underlying the subcellular localization and transport of early melanosomes. We used immunological, biochemical, and molecular approaches to demonstrate that the movement of early melanosomes in the perinuclear area depends primarily on microtubules but not on actin filaments. In contrast, the trafficking of TYR and Pmel17 depends on cytoplasmic dynein and its interaction with the spectrin/ankyrin system, which is involved with the sorting of cargo from the plasma membrane. These results provide important clues toward understanding the processes involved with early events in melanosome formation and transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Watabe
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Dermatology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Julio C. Valencia
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elodie Le Pape
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yuji Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Masayuki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - François Rouzaud
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Toshihiko Hoashi
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yoko Kawa
- Department of Dermatology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Masako Mizoguchi
- Department of Dermatology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Vincent J. Hearing
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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D'Orazio JA, Nobuhisa T, Cui R, Arya M, Spry M, Wakamatsu K, Igras V, Kunisada T, Granter SR, Nishimura EK, Ito S, Fisher DE. Topical drug rescue strategy and skin protection based on the role of Mc1r in UV-induced tanning. Nature 2006; 443:340-4. [PMID: 16988713 DOI: 10.1038/nature05098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2006] [Accepted: 07/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ultraviolet-light (UV)-induced tanning is defective in numerous 'fair-skinned' individuals, many of whom contain functional disruption of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). Although this suggested a critical role for the MC1R ligand melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) in this response, a genetically controlled system has been lacking in which to determine the precise role of MSH-MC1R. Here we show that ultraviolet light potently induces expression of MSH in keratinocytes, but fails to stimulate pigmentation in the absence of functional MC1R in red/blonde-haired Mc1r(e/e) mice. However, pigmentation could be rescued by topical application of the cyclic AMP agonist forskolin, without the need for ultraviolet light, demonstrating that the pigmentation machinery is available despite the absence of functional MC1R. This chemically induced pigmentation was protective against ultraviolet-light-induced cutaneous DNA damage and tumorigenesis when tested in the cancer-prone, xeroderma-pigmentosum-complementation-group-C-deficient genetic background. These data emphasize the essential role of intercellular MSH signalling in the tanning response, and suggest a clinical strategy for topical small-molecule manipulation of pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A D'Orazio
- Melanoma Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute & Children's Hospital, 44 Binney Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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GRAPHODATSKAYA D, JOERG H, ASAI-COAKWELL M, JANETT F, STRANZINGER G. Expression and function of agouti signaling protein in cattle. Anim Sci J 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2006.00317.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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García-Borrón JC, Sánchez-Laorden BL, Jiménez-Cervantes C. Melanocortin-1 receptor structure and functional regulation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 18:393-410. [PMID: 16280005 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0749.2005.00278.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The melanogenic actions of the melanocortins are mediated by the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). MC1R is a member of the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) superfamily expressed in cutaneous and hair follicle melanocytes. Activation of MC1R by adrenocorticotrophin or alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone is positively coupled to the cAMP signaling pathway and leads to a stimulation of melanogenesis and a switch from the synthesis of pheomelanins to the production of eumelanic pigments. The functional behavior of the MC1R agrees with emerging concepts in GPCR signaling including dimerization, coupling to more than one signaling pathway and a high agonist-independent constitutive activity accounting for inverse agonism phenomena. In addition, MC1R displays unique properties such as an unusually high number of natural variants often associated with clearly visible phenotypes and the occurrence of endogenous peptide antagonists. Therefore MC1R is an ideal model to study GPCR function. Here we review our current knowledge of MC1R structure and function, with emphasis on information gathered from the analysis of natural variants. We also discuss recent data on the regulation of MC1R function by paracrine and endocrine factors and by external stimuli such as ultraviolet light.
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Affiliation(s)
- José C García-Borrón
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Costin GE, Valencia J, Wakamatsu K, Ito S, Solano F, Milac A, Vieira W, Yamaguchi Y, Rouzaud F, Petrescu AJ, Lamoreux M, Hearing V. Mutations in dopachrome tautomerase (Dct) affect eumelanin/pheomelanin synthesis, but do not affect intracellular trafficking of the mutant protein. Biochem J 2005; 391:249-59. [PMID: 15960609 PMCID: PMC1276922 DOI: 10.1042/bj20042070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2004] [Revised: 06/06/2005] [Accepted: 06/16/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dopachrome tautomerase (Dct) is a type I membrane protein and an important regulatory enzyme that plays a pivotal role in the biosynthesis of melanin and in the rapid metabolism of its toxic intermediates. Dct-mutant melanocytes carrying the slaty or slaty light mutations were derived from the skin of newborn congenic C57BL/6J non-agouti black mice and were used to study the effect(s) of these mutations on the intracellular trafficking of Dct and on the pigmentation of the cells. Dct activity is 3-fold lower in slaty cells compared with non-agouti black melanocytes, whereas slaty light melanocytes have a surprisingly 28-fold lower Dct activity. Homology modelling of the active site of Dct suggests that the slaty mutation [R194Q (Arg194-->Gln)] is located in the active site and may alter the ability of the enzyme to transform the substrate. Transmembrane prediction methods indicate that the slaty light mutation [G486R (Gly486-->Arg)] may result in the sliding of the transmembrane domain towards the N-terminus, thus interfering with Dct function. Chemical analysis showed that both Dct mutations increase pheomelanin and reduce eumelanin produced by melanocytes in culture. Thus the enzymatic activity of Dct may play a role in determining whether the eumelanin or pheomelanin pathway is preferred for pigment biosynthesis.
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Key Words
- dopachrome tautomerase (dct)
- eumelanin
- melanocyte
- pheomelanin
- pigmentation
- slaty
- 4-ahp, 4-amino-3-hydroxyphenylalanine
- bip, immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein
- dapi, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole
- dct, dopachrome tautomerase
- dhica, 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid
- endo h, endoglycosidase h
- er, endoplasmic reticulum
- hrp, horseradish peroxidase
- np40, nonidet p40
- oca, oculocutaneous albinism
- pngase f, peptide n-glycosidase f
- ptca, pyrrole-2,3,5-tricarboxylic acid
- rt, reverse transcriptase
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertrude-E. Costin
- *Pigment Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A
| | - Julio C. Valencia
- *Pigment Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A
| | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- †Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shosuke Ito
- †Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Francisco Solano
- ‡Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Adina L. Milac
- §Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Wilfred D. Vieira
- *Pigment Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A
| | - Yuji Yamaguchi
- *Pigment Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A
| | - François Rouzaud
- *Pigment Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A
| | | | - M. Lynn Lamoreux
- ∥Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, U.S.A
| | - Vincent J. Hearing
- *Pigment Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A
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Abstract
Among more than 120 genes that are now known to regulate mammalian pigmentation, one of the key genes is MC1R, which encodes the melanocortin 1 receptor, a seven transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor expressed on the surface of melanocytes. Since the monoexonic sequence of the gene was cloned and characterized more than a decade ago, tremendous efforts have been dedicated to the extensive genotyping of mostly red-haired populations all around the world, thus providing allelic variants that may or may not account for melanoma susceptibility in the presence or absence of ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Soluble factors, such as proopiomelanocortin (POMC) derivatives, agouti signal protein (ASP) and others, regulate MC1R expression, leading to improved photoprotection via increased eumelanin synthesis or in contrast, inducing the switch to pheomelanin. However, there is an obvious lack of knowledge regarding the numerous and complex regulatory mechanisms that govern the expression of MC1R at the intra-cellular level, from gene transcription in response to an external stimulus to the expression of the mature receptor on the melanocyte surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Rouzaud
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 37, Room 2132, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Tadokoro T, Yamaguchi Y, Batzer J, Coelho SG, Zmudzka BZ, Miller SA, Wolber R, Beer JZ, Hearing VJ. Mechanisms of Skin Tanning in Different Racial/Ethnic Groups in Response to Ultraviolet Radiation. J Invest Dermatol 2005; 124:1326-32. [PMID: 15955111 DOI: 10.1111/j.0022-202x.2005.23760.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation stimulates pigmentation in human skin, but the mechanism(s) whereby this increase in melanin production (commonly known as tanning) occurs is not well understood. Few studies have examined the molecular consequences of UV on human skin of various racial backgrounds in situ. We investigated the effects of UV on human skin of various races before and at different times after a single 1 minimal erythemal dose UV exposure. We measured the distribution of DNA damage that results, as well as the melanin content/distribution and the expression of various melanocyte-specific genes. The density of melanocytes at the epidermal:dermal junction in different types of human skin are remarkably similar and do not change significantly within 1 wk after UV exposure. The expression of melanocyte-specific proteins (including TYR (tyrosinase), TYRP1 (tyrosinase-related protein 1), DCT (tyrosinase-related protein 2), MART1 (melanoma antigens recognized by T-cells) gp100 (Pmel17/silver), and MITF (micropthalmia transcription factor)) increased from 0 to 7 d after UV exposure, but the melanin content of the skin increased only slightly. The most significant change, however, was a change in the distribution of melanin from the lower layer upwards to the middle layer of the skin, which was more dramatic in the darker skin. These results provide a basis for understanding the origin of different skin colors and responses to UV within different races.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taketsugu Tadokoro
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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Sánchez-Más J, Hahmann C, Gerritsen I, García-Borrón JC, Jiménez-Cervantes C. Agonist-independent, high constitutive activity of the human melanocortin 1 receptor. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 17:386-95. [PMID: 15250941 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0749.2004.00160.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortins (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotropin) act on epidermal melanocytes to increase melanogenesis, the eumelanin/pheomelanin ratio and dendricity. These actions are mediated by the heptahelical melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase. Gain-of-function mouse Mc1r alleles are associated with a dark, eumelanic coat. Conversely, loss-of-function variants, or overexpression of agouti, a natural melanocortin antagonist, yield yellow, pheomelanic furs. In humans, loss-of-function MC1R variants are associated with fair skin, poor tanning, propensity to freckle and increased skin cancer risk. Therefore, MC1R is a key regulator of mammalian pigmentation. Several observations such as induction of constitutive pigmentation in amelanotic mouse melanoma cells following expression of MC1R indicate that the receptor might display agonist-independent activity. We report a systematic and comparative study of MC1R and Mc1r constitutive activity. We show that expression of MC1R in heterologous systems leads to an agonist-independent increase in cyclic adenosine monophophate (cAMP). Basal signalling is a function of receptor expression and is two to fourfold higher for MC1R than for Mc1r. Moreover, it is observed in human melanoma cells over-expressing the MC1R. Constitutive signalling is abolished or reduced by point mutations of MC1R impairing the response to agonists, and is only doubled by the Lys94Glu mutation, mimicking the constitutively active mouse E(so-3J) allele. Stable or transient expression of wild-type MC1R, but not of loss-of-function mutants, potently stimulates forskolin activation of adenylyl cyclase, a common feature of constitutively active Gs-coupled receptors. Therefore, human MC1R displays a strong agonist-independent constitutive activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Sánchez-Más
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30071 Espinardo, Spain
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Hirobe T, Takeuchi S, Hotta E. The Melanocortin Receptor-1 Gene but not the Proopiomelanocortin Gene is Expressed in Melanoblasts and Contributes their Differentiation in the Mouse Skin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 17:627-35. [PMID: 15541020 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0749.2004.00179.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) added to serum-free primary culture of melanoblasts derived from epidermal cell suspensions of 0.5 d old C57BL/10JHir mice induced their differentiation. Analysis using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that the expression of the melanocyte-specific alpha-MSH receptor gene, melanocortin receptor-1 (MC1-R), had already been initiated before addition of alpha-MSH, and, in addition, no up-regulation of the MC1-R gene was observed after addition of alpha-MSH. However, no expression of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene was observed before or after the addition of alpha-MSH. The expression of the MC1-R and POMC genes in the epidermis and dermis of the dorsal skin was surveyed from 13 d old embryos to 5.5 d old neonates. The expression of the MC1-R gene was first observed in the epidermis of 13 d old embryos, and gradually increased up to 0.5 d after birth, and thereafter remained constant. By contrast, the expression of the MC1-R gene in the dermis was first observed in 16 d old embryos, and gradually increased up to 3.5 d after birth, and thereafter remained constant. However, no expression of the POMC gene was observed in the epidermis or dermis of the dorsal skin at any age of mice tested. These results suggest that the expression of the MC1-R gene, but not of the POMC gene, plays an important role in the regulation of melanocyte differentiation in mouse skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohisa Hirobe
- Radiation Hazards Research Group, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, Japan.
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