Topically applied diacylglycerols increase pigmentation in guinea pig skin

Analysis of protein kinase C (HcPKC) gene expression and single-nucleotide polymorphisms related to inner shell color traits in Hyriopsis cumingii

Background

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a multifunctional serine and PKC can phosphorylate serine residues in the cytoplasmic domain of tyrosinase, thereby regulating the activity of tyrosinase. Activated PKC is bound to the melanosome membrane, and unactivated PKC is free in the cytoplasm of melanocytes. In this study, we study the role of PKC gene in the melanin synthesis pathway and its effect on the color of the nacre of H. cumingii.

Results

In this study, a HcPKC gene in H. cumingii was cloned and its effects on melanin synthesis and nacre color were studied. HcPKC was expressed in both purple and white mussels, and the level of mRNA expression was higher in the purple mussels than in white mussels. Strong and specific mRNA signals were detected in the dorsal epithelial cells of the mantle pallial layer, indicating that HcPKC may be involved in nacre formation. After SNP association with inner shell color related traits, according to the principle that 0.25 < PIC < 0.5 is medium polymorphism and PIC < 0.25 is low polymorphism, the A + 332G site on the HcPKC gene was a site of moderate polymorphism, and the other four sites were low polymorphism sex sites. There was strong linkage disequilibrium among the five loci. A haplotype was constructed and it was found that the frequency of T1 (AGGAA)in the white population was significantly higher than that in the purple population (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study found that HcPKC of H. cumingii can be used as a candidate gene related to inner shell color, and some of the SNP sites can be used for molecular-assisted breeding in the spinnaker mussel, providing a reference for cultivating high-quality freshwater pearls.

Temporal analysis of melanogenesis identifies fatty acid metabolism as key skin pigment regulator

Therapeutic methods to modulate skin pigmentation has important implications for skin cancer prevention and for treating cutaneous hyperpigmentary conditions. Towards defining new potential targets, we followed temporal dynamics of melanogenesis using a cell-autonomous pigmentation model. Our study elucidates 3 dominant phases of synchronized metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming. The melanogenic trigger is associated with high MITF levels along with rapid uptake of glucose. The transition to pigmented state is accompanied by increased glucose channelisation to anabolic pathways that support melanosome biogenesis. SREBF1-mediated up-regulation of fatty acid synthesis results in a transient accumulation of lipid droplets and enhancement of fatty acids oxidation through mitochondrial respiration. While this heightened bioenergetic activity is important to sustain melanogenesis, it impairs mitochondria lately, shifting the metabolism towards glycolysis. This recovery phase is accompanied by activation of the NRF2 detoxication pathway. Finally, we show that inhibitors of lipid metabolism can resolve hyperpigmentary conditions in a guinea pig UV-tanning model. Our study reveals rewiring of the metabolic circuit during melanogenesis, and fatty acid metabolism as a potential therapeutic target in a variety of cutaneous diseases manifesting hyperpigmentary phenotype.

Temporal analysis of melanogenesis, based on transcriptomic and metabolomic signatures, reveals fatty acid metabolism as a crucial mediator of the transition between pigmentation phases. Inhibitors of the fatty acid pathway could represent a new target for modulating pigmentation.

JNK suppresses melanogenesis by interfering with CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 3-dependent MITF expression

Melanogenesis is a critical self-defense mechanism against ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis; however, dysregulation of melanin production and distribution causes skin-disfiguring pigmentary disorders. Melanogenesis is initiated by UVR-induced cAMP generation and ensuing activation of transcription factor CREB, which induces expression of the master melanogenic regulator MITF. Recent studies have demonstrated that recruitment of CRTCs to the CREB transcription complex is also required for UVR-stimulated melanogenesis. Therefore, modulation of cAMP-CRTC/CREB-MITF signaling may be a useful therapeutic strategy for UVR-associated skin pigmentary disorders. Methods: We identified the small-molecule Ro31-8220 from CREB/CRTC activity screening and examined its melanogenic activity in cultured mouse and human melanocytes as well as in human skin. Molecular mechanisms were deciphered by immunoblotting, RT-PCR, promoter assays, tyrosinase activity assays, immunofluorescent examination of CRTC3 subcellular localization, and shRNA-based knockdown. Results: Ro31-8220 suppressed basal and cAMP-stimulated melanin production in melanocytes and human melanocyte co-culture as well as UVR-stimulated melanin accumulation in human skin through downregulation of MITF and tyrosinase expression. Mechanistically, down regulation of MITF expression by Ro31-8220 was due to inhibition of transcriptional activity of CREB, which was resulted from phosphorylation-dependent blockade of nuclear translocation of CRTC3 via JNK activation. The selective JNK activator anisomycin also inhibited melanin production through phosphoinhibition of CRTC3, while JNK inhibition enhanced melanogenesis by stimulating CRTC3 dephosphorylation and nuclear migration. Conclusions: Melanogenesis can be enhanced or suppressed via pharmacological modulation of a previously unidentified JNK-CRTC/CREB-MITF signaling axis. As Ro31-8220 potently inhibits UVR-stimulated melanin accumulation in human skin, suggesting that small-molecule JNK-CRTC signaling modulators may provide therapeutic benefit for pigmentation disorders.

L-765,314 Suppresses Melanin Synthesis by Regulating Tyrosinase Activity

Although melanin production is a key self-defense mechanism against ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced skin damage, uneven or excessive deposition of melanin causes hyperpigmentary disorders. Currently available whitening agents are unsatisfactory because of issues with efficacy and safety. To develop more effective depigmenting agents, we performed high-throughput melanin content assay screening using the B16F10 melanoma cell line and identified L-765,314 as a drug that suppressed melanin production in cultured melanocytes in a dose-dependent manner as well as cAMP- or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-stimulated melanin production without cytotoxicity. Interestingly, melanogenic gene expression was not altered by L-765,314. Rather, diminished melanin production by L-765,314 appeared to be caused by downregulation of tyrosinase activity via inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC). Because L-765,314 did not show any adverse effect in melanocytes, altogether our data suggest that L-765,314 could be a potential therapeutic candidate for skin hyperpigmentary disorders and further discovery of selective inhibitors targeting PKC might be a promising strategy for the development of depigmenting agents to treat hyperpigmentary disorders.

Dihydromyricetin from Ampelopsis grossedentata inhibits melanogenesis through down-regulation of MAPK, PKA and PKC signaling pathways

The inhibitory effects of dihydromyricetin purified from Ampelopsis grossedentata on melanogenesis and its antioxidant characteristics were investigated. Assays of tyrosinase activities and melanin content in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells were carried out spectrophotometrically, and the expression of melanogenesis-related proteins was determined by Western blotting. The possible signaling pathways involved in dihydromyricetin-mediated depigmentation were also examined using specific protein kinase regulators. The results revealed that dihydromyricetin effectively suppresses intracellular tyrosinase activity and decreases melanin amount in cells. Dihydromyricetin also exhibits antioxidant properties and effectively decreases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive species (RS) levels. Our results indicated that dihydromyricetin inhibits melanogenesis through its antioxidant properties and by downregulating protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways. The present study indicates that dihydromyricetin has the potential to be developed into a depigmentation skin care product.

Antimelanogenic chemicals with in vivo efficacy against skin pigmentation in guinea pigs

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation under sunlight stimulates skin pigmentation through immediately affecting the oxidative modification of existing melanin pigments and the spatial redistribution of pigmented melanosomes followed by the up-regulation of melanogenic genes in delayed kinetics. However, abnormal accumulation and synthesis of melanin biopolymers are responsible for skin disorders with more pigmented patches. Chemical-based regulation of the hyperpigmented disorders has been a long-standing goal for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. A large number of the chemicals with antimelanogenic activity have met with limited or no success in the treatment of skin patients, since they may not overcome the challenge of penetrating the skin barrier. Guinea pig skin displays similar kinetic parameters to human skin in the transdermal absorption of numerous chemicals, thus can serve as the surrogate for human skin. Here, we provide a concise review of our current understanding of the chemical-based therapy against skin hyperpigmentation in UV-irradiated guinea pig models, suggest molecular mechanisms of the action and emphasize the translation from preclinical outcomes to skin patients.

Diacylglycerol kinase regulates tyrosinase expression and function in human melanocytes

Diacylglycerol increases the melanin content of human melanocytes in vitro and increases the pigmentation of guinea pig skin in vivo, but the mechanism(s) underlying those effects remain unknown. In this study, we characterized the role of diacylglycerol kinase (DGK), which phosphorylates diacylglycerol to generate phosphatidic acid, in the regulation of pigmentation. Ten isoforms of DGK have been identified, and we show that DGKζ is the most abundant isoform expressed by human melanocytic cells. Melanin content, tyrosinase activity and tyrosinase protein levels were significantly reduced by a DGK inhibitor, but tyrosinase and MITF mRNA levels were not changed by that inhibition, and there were no effects on the expression of other melanogenesis-related proteins. Isoform-specific siRNAs showed that knockdown of DGKζ decreased melanin content and tyrosinase expression in melanocytic cells. Over-expression of DGKζ increased tyrosinase protein levels, but did not increase tyrosinase mRNA levels. Glycosidase digestion revealed that inhibition of DGK reduced only the mature form of tyrosinase and the decrease of tyrosinase resulting from DGK inhibition could be blocked partially by protease inhibitors. These results suggest that DGK regulates melanogenesis via modulation of the post-translational processing of tyrosinase, which may be related with the protein degradation machinery.

Topical delivery of DNA oligonucleotide to induce p53 generation in the skin via thymidine dinucleotide (pTT)-encapsulated liposomal carrier

INTRODUCTION

Transcription factor p53 has a powerful tumor suppressing function that is associated with many cancers. Since the molecular weight of p53 is 53 kDa, it is difficult to transport across cell membranes. Thymidine dinucleotide (pTT) is an oligonucleotide that can activate the p53 transcription factor and trigger the signal transduction cascade. However, the negative charge and high water solubility of pTT limit its transport through cellular membranes, thereby preventing it from reaching its target in the nucleus. A suitable delivery carrier for pTT is currently not available.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to employ a nanoscale liposomal carrier to resolve the delivery problem, and increase the bioavailability and efficiency of pTT.

METHODOLOGY

The approach was to employ liposomes to deliver pTT and then evaluate the particle size and zeta potential by laser light scattering (LLS), and permeation properties of pTT in vitro in a Franz diffusion assembly, and in vivo in a murine model using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

RESULTS

We found that dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) combined with cholesterol 3 sulfate (C3S) were the best ingredients to achieve an average desired vehicle size of 133.6 ± 2.8 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI, representing the distribution of particle sizes) of 0.437, and a zeta potential of -93.3 ± 1.88. An in vitro penetration study showed that the liposomal carrier was superior to the free form of pTT at 2-24 hours. CLSM study observed that the penetration depth of pTT reached the upper epidermis and potential of penetration maintained up to 24 hours.

CONCLUSION

These preliminary data demonstrate that nanosized DOPE/C3S liposomes can be exploited as a potential carrier of drugs for topical use in treating skin diseases.

Role of BMP-4 and Its Signaling Pathways in Cultured Human Melanocytes

Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP-4) was shown to down-regulate melanogenesis, in part, by decreasing the level of tyrosinase [Yaar et al. (2006) JBC:281]. Results presented here show that BMP-4 down-regulated the protein levels of TRP-1, PKC-β, and MCI-R. When paired cultures of human melanocytes were treated with vehicle or BMP-4 (25 ng/ml), MAPK/ERK were phosphorylated within one hour of BMP-4 treatment. Then the activated MAPK/ERK caused an acute phosphorylation of MITF, followed by proteosome-mediated degradation of MITF, the key transcription factor for melanogenic proteins [Wu et al. (2000) Gene & Development:14]. However, prolonged exposure of melanocytes to BMP-4 (up to 48 hours) caused a decrease in the level of MITF-M transcript. In addition, BMP-4 decreased the intracellular level of cAMP, the key regulator of MITF expression. These results demonstrate that BMP-4 activates MAPK/ERK signaling pathway to transiently activate MITF; however, chronic treatment of BMP-4 to melanocytes causes a down-regulation of the expression of MITF, possibly in a cAMP-dependent pathway.

Polypodium leucotomos extract decreases UV-induced Cox-2 expression and inflammation, enhances DNA repair, and decreases mutagenesis in hairless mice

UV-irradiated skin and UV-induced tumors overexpress the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), and Cox-2 inhibition reduces photocarcinogenesis. To evaluate photoprotective effects of Polypodium leucotomos extract (PL), hairless Xpc(+/-) mice were fed for 10 days with PL (300 mg/kg) or vehicle then UV-irradiated, once. By 24 hours, UV-induced Cox-2 levels were increased in vehicle-fed and PL-fed mice, whereas by 48 and 72 hours, Cox-2 levels were four- to fivefold lower in PL-fed mice (P < 0.05). p53 expression/activity was increased in PL-fed versus vehicle-fed then UV-irradiated mice. UV-induced inflammation was decreased in PL-fed mice, as shown by approximately 60% decrease (P < 0.001) in neutrophil infiltration at 24 hours, and macrophages by approximately 50% (<0.02) at 24 and 48 hours. By 72 hours, 54 +/- 5% cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers remained in vehicle-fed versus 31 +/- 5% in PL-fed skin (P < 0.003). The number of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine-positive cells were decreased before UV irradiation by approximately 36% (P < 0.01), suggesting that PL reduces constitutive oxidative DNA damage. By 6 and 24 hours, the number of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine-positive cells were approximately 59% (P < 0.01) and approximately 79% (P < 0.03) lower in PL-fed versus vehicle-fed mice. Finally, UV-induced mutations in PL-fed-mice were decreased by approximately 25% when assessed 2 weeks after the single UV exposure. These data demonstrate that PL extract supplementation affords the following photoprotective effects: p53 activation and reduction of acute inflammation via Cox-2 enzyme inhibition, increased cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer removal, and reduction of oxidative DNA damage.

Inhibitory effect of proanthocyanidin on ultraviolet B irradiation-induced melanogenesis

Repetitive exposure of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces various adverse effects, including skin thickening, wrinkle formation, inflammation, and pigmentation. Various natural and synthetic compounds were studied to determine whether they might prevent UV induction of these adverse effects. In particular, naturally occurring antioxidants were used for regulating skin damage induced by UV radiation since several antioxidants were found to inhibit photoaging through prevention of collagen synthesis via inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and/or decrease of melanin synthesis. The L values in pigmented skin were lower at 4 wk (52.97 +/- 2.09) than at the start of this study (0 wk, 62.89 +/- 0.56) in the control. In the proanthocyanidin mixture group, the L value was increased (56.83 +/- 1.71) similar to the control (52.97 +/- 2.09). Proanthocyanidin also suppressed the expression levels of tyrosinase by 20-40%, and blocked the expression of MITF, TRP-1, and TRP-2, which are factors implicated in the control of melanogenesis. Taken together, these data indicate that proanthocyanidin may be useful to attenuate UVB-induced melanogenesis.

Ageing is associated with diminished apoptotic cell clearance in vivo

Ageing leads to immune system dysfunction and the accumulation of autoantibodies. Because the rapid phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells is required to prevent the development of autoimmunity, we examined the relative clearance of apoptotic material in young and aged mice using two independent assays. First, 2-year-old mice were found to be impaired in their ability to clear apoptotic keratinocytes following ultraviolet irradiation of the skin. Secondly, peritoneal macrophages exposed to apoptotic Jurkat T cells in vivo displayed diminished phagocytic activity in aged mice compared with 8-week-old mice. Consistent with these findings, aged mice exhibited signs of autoimmunity with the appearance of anti-nuclear antibodies and increased kidney glomerular size as well as complement deposits within the glomeruli. In vitro assays revealed that the pretreatment of macrophages with the serum from aged mice led to a reduction in their ability to phagocytose apoptotic bodies compared with macrophages treated with serum from young mice. These data show that the ageing process is accompanied by a diminished ability to clear apoptotic debris. This accumulation of apoptotic debris could contribute to immune system dysfunction that occurs in aged organisms.

Amended final report on the safety assessment of glyceryl dilaurate, glyceryl diarachidate, glyceryl dibehenate, glyceryl dierucate, glyceryl dihydroxystearate, glyceryl diisopalmitate, glyceryl diisostearate, glyceryl dilinoleate, glyceryl dimyristate, glyceryl dioleate, glyceryl diricinoleate, glyceryl dipalmitate, glyceryl dipalmitoleate, glyceryl distearate, glyceryl palmitate lactate, glyceryl stearate citrate, glyceryl stearate lactate, and glyceryl stearate succinate

Glyceryl Dilaurate, Glyceryl Diarachidate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Glyceryl Dierucate, Glyceryl Dihydroxystearate, Glyceryl Diisopalmitate, Glyceryl Diisostearate, Glyceryl Dilinoleate, Glyceryl Dimyristate, Glyceryl Dioleate, Glyceryl Diricinoleate, Glyceryl Dipalmitate, Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate, Glyceryl Distearate, Glyceryl Palmitate Lactate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Stearate Lactate, and Glyceryl Stearate Succinate are diacylglycerols (also known as diglycerides or glyceryl diesters) that function as skin conditioning agents - emollients in cosmetics. Only Glyceryl Dilaurate (up to 5%), Glyceryl Diisostearate (up to 43%), Glyceryl Dioleate (up to 2%), Glyceryl Distearate (up to 7%), and Glyceryl Stearate Lactate (up to 5%) are reported to be in current use. Production proceeds from fully refined vegetable oils, which are further processed using hydrogenation and fractionation techniques, and the end products are produced by reacting selected mixtures of the partly hydrogenated, partly fractionated oils and fats with vegetable-derived glycerine to yield partial glycerides. In the final stage of the production process, the products are purified by deodorization, which effectively removes pesticide residues and lower boiling residues such as residues of halogenated solvents and aromatic solvents. Diglycerides have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as indirect food additives. Nominally, these ingredients are 1,3-diglycerides, but are easily isomerized to the 1,2-diglycerides form. The 1,3-diglyceride isomer is not a significant toxicant in acute, short-term, subchronic, or chronic animal tests. Glyceryl Dilaurate was a mild primary irritant in albino rabbits, but not a skin sensitizer in guinea pig maximization tests. Diacylglycerol Oil was not genotoxic in the Ames test, in mammalian Chinese hamster lung cells, or in a rodent bone marrow micronucleus assay. An eye shadow containing 1.5% Glyceryl Dilaurate did not induce skin irritation in a single insult patch test, but mild skin irritation reactions to a foundation containing the same concentration were observed. A trade mixture containing an unspecified concentration of Glyceryl Dibehenate did not induce irritation or significant cutaneous intolerance in a 48-h occlusive patch test. In maximization tests, neither an eye shadow nor a foundation containing 1.5% Glyceryl Dilaurate was a skin sensitizer. Sensitization was not induced in subjects patch tested with 50% w/w Glyceryl Dioleate in a repeated insult, occlusive patch test. Glyceryl Palmitate Lactate (50% w/v) did not induce skin irritation or sensitization in subjects patch tested in a repeat-insult patch test. Phototoxicity or photoallergenicity was not induced in healthy volunteers tested with a lipstick containing 1.0% Glyceryl Rosinate. Two diacylglycerols, 1-oleoyl-2-acetoyl-sn-glycerol and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycerol, did not alter cell proliferation (as determined by DNA synthesis) in normal human dermal fibroblasts in vitro at doses up to 10 microg/ml. In the absence of initiation, Glyceryl Distearate induced a moderate hyperplastic response in randomly bred mice of a tumor-resistant strain, and with 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA) initiation, an increase in the total cell count was observed. In a glyceryl monoester study, a single application of DMBA to the skin followed by 5% Glyceryl Stearate twice weekly produced no tumors, but slight epidermal hyperplasia at the site of application. Glyceryl Dioleate induced transformation in 3-methylcholanthrene-initiated BALB/3T3 A31-1-1 cloned cells in vitro. A tumor-promoting dosing regimen that consisted of multiple applications of 10 mumol of a 1,2-diacylglycerol (sn-1,2-didecanoylglycerol) to female mice twice daily for 1 week caused more than a 60% decrease in protein kinase C (PKC) activity and marked epidermal hyperplasia. Applications of 10 micromol sn-1,2-didecanoylglycerol twice weekly for 1 week caused a decrease in cytosolic PKC activity, an increase in particulate PKC activity, and no epidermal hyperplasia. In studies of the tumor-promoting activity of 1,2-diacylglycerols, dose and the exposure regimen by which the dose is delivered play a role in tumor promotion. The 1,2-diacylglycerol-induced activation of PKC may also relate to the saturation of the fatty acid in the 1 or 2 position; 1,2-Diacylglycerols with two saturated fatty acids are less effective. Also, the activity of 1,2-diacylglycerols may be reduced when the fatty acid moiety in the structure is a long-chain fatty acid. A histological evaluation was performed on human skin from female volunteers (18 to 56 years old) who had applied a prototype lotion or placebo formulation, both containing 0.5% Glyceryl Dilaurate, consecutively for 16 weeks or 21 weeks. Skin irritation was not observed in any of the subjects tested. Biopsies (2 mm) taken from both legs of five subjects indicated no recognizable abnormalities of the skin; the epidermis was normal in thickness, and there was no evidence of scaling, inflammation, or neoplasms in any of the tissues that were evaluated. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel considered that the available safety test data indicate that diglycerides in the 1,3-diester form do not present any significant acute toxicity risk, nor are these ingredients irritating, sensitizing, or photosensitizing. Whereas no data are available regarding reproductive or developmental toxicity, there is no reason to suspect any such toxicity because the dermal absorption of these chemicals is negligible. The Panel noted that these nominally 1,3-diglycerides contain 1,2-diglycerides, raising the concern that 1,2-diglycerides could potentially induce hyperplasia. Data regarding the induction of PKC and the tumor promotion potential of 1,2-diacylglycerols increased the level of concern. Most of the diglycerides considered in this safety assessment, however, have fatty acid chains longer than 14 carbons and none have mixed saturated/unsaturated fatty acid moieties. The Panel considered it particularly important that a 21-week use study of a prototype lotion containing 0.5% Glyceryl Dilaurate (a 14-carbon chain fatty acid) indicated no evidence of scaling, inflammation, or neoplasms in biopsy specimens. Also, DNA synthesis assays on Glyceryl Dilaurate and Glyceryl Distearate indicated that neither chemical altered cell proliferation (as determined by DNA synthesis) in normal human dermal fibroblasts in vitro at doses up to 10 microg/ml. The Panel understands that use testing is a common practice in industry and, if histopathology data are collected, the Panel believes that such an approach can demonstrate an absence of epidermal hyperplasia. Because the concentration of these ingredients can vary (up to 43% for Glyceryl Diisostearate in lipstick), the frequency of application can be several times daily, and the proportion of diglycerides that are inactive 1,3 isomers versus potentially biologically active 1,2 isomers is unknown, the Panel believes that each use should be examined to ensure the absence of epidermal hyperplasia during product development and testing. In the absence of inhalation toxicity data on the Glyceryl Diesters in this safety assessment, the Panel determined that these ingredients can be used safely in aerosolized products because they are not respirable. The Panel recognizes that certain ingredients in this group are reportedly used in a given product category, but the concentration of use is not available. For other ingredients in this group, information regarding use concentration for specific product categories is provided, but the number of such products is not known. In still other cases, an ingredient is not in current use, but may be used in the future. Although there are gaps in knowledge about product use, the overall information available on the types of products in which these ingredients are used and at what concentration indicate a pattern of use. Within this overall pattern of use, the CIR Expert Panel considers all ingredients in this group to be safe.

Ammonium chloride and l-tyrosine enhance melanogenesis in vitro but not in vivo even in combination with ultraviolet radiation

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Melanogenesis can be induced in vitro in melanoma cells and melanocytes by adding substances able to neutralize intracellular acidic organelles like melanosomes. Further addition of l-tyrosine enhances the melanogenesis by increasing the tyrosinase activity. As such, the property of tyrosine as a pigmentation enhancer is used in promoting creams containing tyrosine. The objective of this study was to investigate whether such an effect could actually be seen in a short term in vivo mouse study.

METHODS

Lightly pigmented C3.Cg/TifBomTac hairless mice capable of pigmenting had ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and/or l-tyrosine applied topically (1/day for 3 weeks). Pigmentation of the mice was determined using the Kodak Gray Scale at days 0, 7, 14, and 21.

RESULTS

Both NH4Cl and l-tyrosine yielded no significant effect, either alone or in combination, when applied using either hydrogel or moisturizing cream. Exposing mice to simulated solar radiation (4 standard erythema doses, 3/week) yielded increased pigmentation. However, no statistically significant difference was found between treatment with simulated solar radiation alone or in combination with NH4Cl and l-tyrosine.

CONCLUSION

In spite of the commercial value of adding l-tyrosine to 'pigmentation-enhancing' creams, topically applied l-tyrosine showed no pigmentation-enhancing effect, neither alone nor in combination with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, providing a basis to contest such promotional measures.

MITF mediates cAMP-induced protein kinase C-beta expression in human melanocytes

The cAMP-dependent pathway up-regulates MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor), important for key melanogenic proteins such as tyrosinase, TRP-1 (tyrosinase-related protein 1) and TRP-2. We asked whether MITF is also a key transcription factor for PKC-beta (protein kinase C-beta), required to phosphorylate otherwise inactive tyrosinase. When paired cultures of human melanocytes were treated with isobutylmethylxanthine, known to increase intracellular cAMP, both protein and mRNA levels of PKC-beta were induced by 24 h. To determine whether MITF modulates PKC-beta expression, paired cultures of human melanocytes were transfected with dn-MITF (dominant-negative MITF) or empty control vector. By immunoblotting, PKC-beta protein was reduced by 63+/-3.7% within 48 h. Co-transfection of an expression vector for MITF-M, the MITF isoform specific for pigment cells, or empty control vector with a full-length PKC-beta promoter-CAT (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) reporter construct (PKC-beta/CAT) into Cos-7 cells showed >60-fold increase in CAT activity. Melanocytes abundantly also expressed MITF-A, as well as the MITF-B and MITF-H isoforms. However, in contrast with MITF-M, MITF-A failed to transactivate co-expressed PKC-beta/CAT or CAT constructs under the control of a full-length tyrosinase promoter. Together, these results demonstrate that MITF, specifically MITF-M, is a key transcription factor for PKC-beta, linking the PKC- and cAMP-dependent pathways in regulation of melanogenesis.

Detection of UV-Induced Pigmentary and Epidermal Changes Over Time Using In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) provides high-resolution optical sections of the skin in its native state, without needing to fix or section the tissue. Melanin provides an excellent contrast for RCM, giving a bright signal in the confocal images. The pigmented guinea-pig is a common animal model to study human pigment induction and modulation, as its tanning response is comparable to human tanning after exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We investigated the applicability of RCM to detecting UVR-induced pigmentary changes in this model. Animals were exposed to solar simulator radiation for 7 days. RCM was performed during the irradiation and follow-up period. Compared to non-irradiated skin, an increase in melanocyte size, dendricity, and number, as well as increased pigment in keratinocytes, was seen in the irradiated epidermis. Interestingly, these changes could be detected even before a tanning response was clinically visible. UVR-induced epidermal hyperplasia could also be detected and quantified. In conclusion, in vivo RCM is a sensitive non-invasive imaging technique that can repeatedly measure epidermal pigmentation and thickness, as demonstrated in the guinea-pig model. This technique should greatly enhance our appreciation of dynamic pigmentary changes in human or animal skin over time and in response to specific stimuli.

[Clinical aspects and pathogenesis of UV-induced pigmentary disorders]

Solar and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, respectively, are the strongest stimuli for the induction of pigmentation in human skin. UV radiation induces pigmentation by exerting direct and indirect effects on melanocytes. Melanogenesis is a very complex process whose molecular mechanisms are not yet completely understood. Acute UV exposure induces the non-protective immediate pigment darkening as well as delayed tanning which exerts photoprotective effects. Chronic UV exposure causes permanent pigmentary changes by inducing solar lentigines and pigmented actinic keratoses as well hypopigmentated areas. Artificial UV irradiation (UVA, PUVA) can also induce pigmentary disorders, including lentigines. Since the therapeutic options for UV-induced pigmentary changes are limited consequent protection as a prophylactic measure is recommended.

Melanin pigmentation in mammalian skin and its hormonal regulation

Cutaneous melanin pigment plays a critical role in camouflage, mimicry, social communication, and protection against harmful effects of solar radiation. Melanogenesis is under complex regulatory control by multiple agents interacting via pathways activated by receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms, in hormonal, auto-, para-, or intracrine fashion. Because of the multidirectional nature and heterogeneous character of the melanogenesis modifying agents, its controlling factors are not organized into simple linear sequences, but they interphase instead in a multidimensional network, with extensive functional overlapping with connections arranged both in series and in parallel. The most important positive regulator of melanogenesis is the MC1 receptor with its ligands melanocortins and ACTH, whereas among the negative regulators agouti protein stands out, determining intensity of melanogenesis and also the type of melanin synthesized. Within the context of the skin as a stress organ, melanogenic activity serves as a unique molecular sensor and transducer of noxious signals and as regulator of local homeostasis. In keeping with these multiple roles, melanogenesis is controlled by a highly structured system, active since early embryogenesis and capable of superselective functional regulation that may reach down to the cellular level represented by single melanocytes. Indeed, the significance of melanogenesis extends beyond the mere assignment of a color trait.

Ultraviolet Radiation Induces Dose-Dependent Pigment Dispersion in Crustacean Chromatophores

Pigment dispersion in chromatophores as a response to UV radiation was investigated in two species of crustaceans, the crab Chasmagnathus granulata and the shrimp Palaemonetes argentinus. Eyestalkless crabs and shrimps maintained on either a black or a white background were irradiated with different UV bands. In eyestalkless crabs the significant minimal effective dose inducing pigment dispersion was 0.42 J/cm(2) for UVA and 2.15 J/cm(2) for UVB. Maximal response was achieved with 10.0 J/cm(2) UVA and 8.6 J/cm(2) UVB. UVA was more effective than UVB in inducing pigment dispersion. Soon after UV exposure, melanophores once again reached the initial stage of pigment aggregation after 45 min. Aggregated erythrophores of shrimps adapted to a white background showed significant pigment dispersion with 2.5 J/cm(2) UVA and 0.29 J/cm(2) UVC. Dispersed erythrophores of shrimps adapted to a black background did not show any significant response to UVA, UVB or UVC radiation. UVB did not induce any significant pigment dispersion in shrimps adapted to either a white or a black background. As opposed to the tanning response, which only protects against future UV exposure, the pigment dispersion response could be an important agent protecting against the harmful effects of UV radiation exposure.

Topical DNA oligonucleotide therapy reduces UV-induced mutations and photocarcinogenesis in hairless mice

UV-induced DNA damage gives rise to mutations and skin cancer. We have previously reported that treatment of skin cells in vitro with thymidine dinucleotide (pTT) activates p53 and increases the ability of cells to repair subsequent UV-induced DNA damage by enhancing endogenous DNA repair capacity. Here we show that topical pTT pretreatment enhances the rate of DNA photoproduct removal, decreases UV-induced mutations, and reduces photocarcinogenesis in UV-irradiated hairless WT repair-proficient and Xpc(+/-) heterozygous partially repair-deficient mice, both transgenic for the lacZ/pUR288 mutation-indicator gene. These data support the existence of inducible mammalian DNA damage responses that increase DNA repair capacity after DNA damage and hence reduce the impact of future exposures to environmental carcinogens. The ability of topically applied pTT to induce protective physiologic responses that normally result from DNA damage suggests a previously undescribed means of reducing skin cancer in high-risk individuals.

Topical Application of a Protein Kinase C Inhibitor Reduces Skin and Hair Pigmentation

To determine whether inhibition of PKC-beta activity decreases pigmentation, paired cultures of primary human melanocytes were first pretreated with bisindolylmaleimide (Bis), a selective PKC inhibitor, or vehicle alone for 30 min, and then treated with TPA for an additional 90 min to activate PKC in the presence of Bis. Bis blocked the expected induction of tyrosinase activity by activation of PKC. Addition of a peptide corresponding to amino acids 501-511 of tyrosinase containing its PKC-beta phosphorylation site, a presumptive PKC-beta pseudosubstrate, gave similar results. To determine whether Bis reduces pigmentation in vivo, the backs of four shaved and depilated pigmented guinea pigs were UV irradiated with a solar simulator for 2 wk excluding weekends. Compared to vehicle alone, Bis (300 microM), applied twice daily to paired sites for various periods encompassing the irradiation period, decreased tanning. Bis also, although less strikingly, reduced basal epidermal melanin when topically applied twice daily, 5 d per wk, for 3 wk to shaved and depilated unirradiated skin. Moreover, topical application of Bis (100 microM) once daily for 9 d to the freshly depilated backs of 8-wk-old mice markedly lightened the color of regrowing hair. These results demonstrate that inhibiting PKC activity in vivo selectively blocks tanning and reduces basal pigmentation in the epidermis and in anagen hair shafts.

Stimulation of melanogenesis by tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) in mouse melanocytes and neural crest cells

In vitro studies have shown that the phorbol ester, 12-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) induces neural crest cell differentiation into melanocytes, and stimulates proliferation and differentiation of normal melanocytes. As TPA is not a physiological agent, its action is clearly mimicking some in vivo pathway involved in these processes. An understanding of the effect of TPA on the expression of melanogenic genes will therefore provide valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating melanocyte differentiation. In this study, we utilized primary cultures of neural crest cells and an immortalized melanocyte cell line (DMEL-2) which proliferates in the absence of TPA, to explore the effects of TPA on key melanogenic effectors. In neural crest cells, TPA was found to be necessary for both microphthalmia associated transcription factor (Mitf) up-regulation and for melanin synthesis. Using northern blots, we show that in DMEL-2 cells, TPA significantly increases the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of the tyrosinase gene family (tyrosinase, Tyrp1 and Dct) and the expression of Mitf. Western blots demonstrate that in these TPA-treated cells there is a concomitant increase in Tyr, Tyrp1 and glycosylated Dct protein levels. Pax3, a known Mitf regulator, is unaltered by TPA treatment. This study demonstrates the utility of a novel cell line for investigating the long-term effects of TPA on melanogenesis and provides an understanding of how TPA enhances mouse melanocyte differentiation.

Tyrosinase gene expression is regulated by p53

Tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme for melanin synthesis, is induced after ultraviolet irradiation as part of the tanning response, the major recognized photoprotective response of human skin. Other DNA-damaging agents and DNA fragments such as thymidine dinucleotides also induce tyrosinase gene expression. Moreover, like ultraviolet light they also activate p53. To determine whether p53 activation is required for this increased tyrosinase expression, we employed two experimental systems: (i) a human melanoma line (WM35) known to express wild-type p53 versus WM35 cells engineered to express a transcriptionally inactive dominant-negative p53 (WM35-p53DN) or the empty vector alone (WM35-pCMV7) and (ii) mice with wild-type p53 versus p53 knockout mice. In WM35-p53DN cells, the baseline p53 protein level was higher than in WM35 or WM35-pCMV7 cells, and tyrosinase transcripts were lower. After ultraviolet irradiation, in all cell lines the p53 protein level increased within the first 24 h, as expected; and at 24 h tyrosinase mRNA levels were decreased. Consistent with the literature, these data in combination suggest that increased p53 protein level downregulates tyrosinase mRNA. In WM35 and WM35-pCMV7 cells at 48 and 72 h, however, whereas p53 levels remained elevated, tyrosinase mRNA levels compared to pre-irradiation levels tripled, whereas in WM35-p53DN cells levels remained below baseline. In thymidine-dinucleotide-treated WM35 and WM35-pCMV7 cells there was a comparable upregulation of tyrosinase mRNA within 24 h that persisted through 72 h, but there was no upregulation of tyrosinase mRNA in WM35-p53DN cells any time after ultraviolet irradiation or thymidine dinucleotide treatment. In ear skin of p53 wild-type mice, topical application of thymidine dinucleotide induced a 4-5-fold increase in epidermal melanin content after 3 wk, but in p53 knockout mice thymidine dinucleotide application caused no detectable increase in melanin. Together, these data demonstrate that p53 activation increases tyrosinase mRNA level and subsequently pigmentation. The data further suggest that tanning is part of a p53-mediated adaptive response of mammalian skin to DNA damage from ultraviolet irradiation.

Skin pigmentation enhancers

The highest incidences of cancer are found in the skin, but endogenous pigmentation is associated with markedly reduced risk. Agents that enhance skin pigmentation have the potential to reduce both photodamage and skin cancer incidence. The purpose of this review is to evaluate agents that have the potential to increase skin pigmentation. These include topically applied substances that simulate natural pigmentation: dihydroxyacetone and melanins; and substances that stimulate the natural pigmentation process: psoralens with UVA (PUVA), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), L-tyrosine, L-Dopa, lysosomotropic agents, diacylglycerols, thymidine dinucleotides, DNA fragments, melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) analogs, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), nitric oxide donors, and bicyclic monoterpene (BMT) diols. These agents are compared with regards to efficacy when administered to melanoma cells, normal human epidermal melanocytes, animal skin, and human skin. In addition, mechanisms of action are reviewed since these may reveal issues related to both efficacy and safety. Both dihydroxyacetone and topically applied melanins are presently available to the consumer, and both of these have been shown to provide some photoprotection. Of the pigmentation stimulators, only PUVA and MSH analogs have been tested extensively on humans, but there are concerns about the safety and side effects of both. At least some of the remaining pigmentation stimulators under development have the potential to safely induce a photoprotective tan.

Kinesin participates in melanosomal movement along melanocyte dendrites

Movement of melanosomes along melanocyte dendrites is necessary for the transfer of melanin pigment from melanocytes to basal and suprabasal keratinocytes, an event critical to epidermal photoprotection and maintenance of normal skin color. Recent murine data suggest that in melanocyte dendrites the microtubule-associated melanosome movement is bidirectional and that actin-associated myosin V secures the peripheral melanosomes, preparing them to be transferred to surrounding keratinocytes. We now report that human melanocytes express high levels of kinesin, a molecule that participates in microtubule-associated transport of organelles in other cell types, and that ultrastructurally kinesin molecules are closely associated with melanosomes. To determine whether kinesin participates in melanosomal transport, cultured melanocytes were treated with sense or antisense oligonucleotides complementary to kinesin heavy chain sequences. Antisense oligonucleotides decreased kinesin protein levels and inhibited the bidirectional movement of the melanosomes, promoting their backward movement. Furthermore, guinea pigs were exposed to ultraviolet B irradiation, known to enhance transport of melanosomes from melanocytes to epidermal keratinocytes, and then were treated with kinesin sense or antisense oligonucleotides. The areas that were treated with kinesin antisense oligonucleotides showed significantly less pigmentation clinically and histologically than control (sense) oligonucleotide-treated areas. As observed ultrastructurally, in antisense-treated areas melanosomes remained in melanocyte dendrites but over several days were not transferred to the surrounding keratinocytes. Our study supports a major role for kinesin in microtubule-associated anterograde melanosomal transport in human melanocyte dendrites.

Protein kinase C-beta activates tyrosinase by phosphorylating serine residues in its cytoplasmic domain

We have previously shown that protein kinase C-beta (PKC-beta) is required for activation of tyrosinase (Park, H. Y., Russakovsky, V., Ohno, S., and Gilchrest, B. A. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 11742-11749), the rate-limiting enzyme in melanogenesis. We now examine its mechanism of activation in human melanocytes. In vivo phosphorylation experiments revealed that tyrosinase is phosphorylated through the PKC-dependent pathway and that introduction of PKC-beta into nonpigmented human melanoma cells lacking PKC-beta lead to the phosphorylation and activation of tyrosinase. Preincubation of intact melanosomes with purified active PKC-beta in vitro increased tyrosinase activity 3-fold. By immunoelectron microscopy, PKC-beta but not PKC-alpha was closely associated with tyrosinase on the outer surface of melanosomes. Western blot analysis confirmed the association of PKC-beta with melanosomes. Only the cytoplasmic (extra-melanosomal) domain of tyrosinase, which contains two serines but no threonines, was phosphorylated by the serine/threonine kinase PKC-beta. These two serines at positions 505 and 509 both are present in the C-terminal peptide generated by trypsin digestion of tyrosinase. Co-migration experiments comparing synthetic peptide standards of all three possible phosphorylated tryptic peptides, a diphosphopeptide and two monophosphopeptides, to tyrosinase-phosphorylated in intact melanocytes by PKC-beta and then subjected to trypsin digestion revealed that both serine residues are phosphorylated by PKC-beta. We conclude that PKC-beta activates tyrosinase directly by phosphorylating serine residues at positions 505 and 509 in the cytoplasmic domain of this melanosome-associated protein.

Topical all-trans retinoic acid augments ultraviolet radiation-induced increases in activated melanocyte numbers in mice

We have previously shown that daily application of 0.05% retinoic acid to the backs of lightly pigmented, hairless HRA:Skh-2 mice increases melanogenesis resulting from exposure to solar-simulated ultraviolet radiation. In this study we show that as early as 1 wk following commencement of treatment, there is a 2- fold increase in the number of epidermal 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine positive melanocytes in retinoic acid and ultraviolet radiation treated HRA:Skh-2 mice compared with mice that received ultraviolet radiation only. This increased to a 2.9-fold difference by 6 wk. Retinoic acid also augmented ultraviolet radiation-stimulated melanogenesis, with a 4-fold increase being observed after only 2 wk. These findings were also seen in C57BL mice. Ultraviolet radiation and retinoic acid needed to be applied to the same skin site for the augmentation in melanocyte activation to occur. Ultraviolet B rather than ultraviolet A was mainly responsible for melanogenesis and the retinoic acid primarily increased ultraviolet B-induced melanogenesis. Furthermore, retinoic acid on it's own, in the absence of ultraviolet radiation caused a small but statistically significant increase in 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine positive melanocyte numbers and melanogenesis. Thus topical retinoic acid is a potent modulator of melanocyte activation. Alone it is able to increase the number of activated epidermal melanocytes and make melanocytes more sensitive to activation by ultraviolet B.

Bicyclic monoterpene diols induce differentiation of S91 melanoma and PC12 pheochromocytoma cells by a cyclic guanosine-monophosphate-dependent pathway

Previously, we showed that 5-norbornene-2,2-dimethanol (5-NBene-2,2-DM) is an effective inducer of melanogenesis in cultured cells and guinea-pig skin [Brown et al. (1998) J. Invest. Dermatol., 110:428-437]. This study shows that 2,3-cis/exo-pinanediol (2,3-cs/ex-PinD) is a more effective inducer of melanogenesis than 5-NBene-2,2-DM in S91 mouse melanoma cells. Furthermore, 2,3-cs/ex-PinD appears to penetrate guinea-pig skin better than 5-NBene-2,2-DM and to induce higher levels of pigmentation. Both 5-NBene-2,2-DM and 2,3-cs/ex-PinD induce synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) in S91 cells, and the melanogenic activity of both compounds is reduced by inhibitors of the NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/protein kinase(PK) G signaling pathway, but not by inhibitors of the PKC or PKA pathways. Thus, these bicyclic monoterpene diols appear to induce melanogenesis by the same pathway in S91 cells as that shown previously for ultraviolet radiation in melanocytes (Romero-Graillet et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem., 271:28052-28056). These compounds also induce NO synthesis, neurite outgrowth, and tyrosine hydroxylase activity in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells. Neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells is blocked by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor, LY83583 (6-anilino-2,8-quinolinequinone), indicating that, similar to S91 cells, the induction of morphological differentiation of PC12 cells by bicyclic monoterpene diols is regulated by a cGMP-dependent pathway.

Aliphatic and alicyclic diols induce melanogenesis in cultured cells and guinea pig skin

We have found that several aliphatic and alicyclic diols induce melanogenesis in cultured S91 mouse melanoma cells and normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEM). In addition, these compounds induce melanogenesis when applied to guinea pig skin, with transfer of melanin to keratinocytes and formation of "supranuclear caps," as occurs in naturally pigmented skin. The relative order of potency of some of these diols in NHEM is 5-norbornene-2,2-dimethanol > 3,3-dimethyl-1,2-butanediol > cis-1,2-cyclopentanediol > 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol > 1,2-propanediol. Following treatment with these diols or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, melanin and tyrosinase activity are increased within S91 cells and NHEM; however, for cultured NHEM, the largest increases of melanin and tyrosinase occur in an extracellular particulate fraction, shown by electron microscopy to consist almost entirely of stage III and IV melanosomes. These results indicate that cultured NHEM treated with diols export melanosomes in a fashion that is commensurate with natural melanogenic processes. In contrast, S91 mouse melanoma cells exhibit aberrant melanosomal trafficking, in accordance with the known defect in myosin-V mediated melanosomal transport. Both S91 cells and NHEM exhibit morphologic changes and growth arrest indicative of differentiation following treatment with diols. The diols described in this report are candidates for use as cosmeceutical tanning agents.

Psoralen-fatty acid adducts activate melanocyte protein kinase C: a proposed mechanism for melanogenesis induced by 8-methoxypsoralen and ultraviolet A light

Diacylglycerol, a protein kinase C activator, induces and enhances melanogenesis in vitro and in vivo, providing evidence that melanogenesis may be a protein kinase C-mediated process. Melanogenesis is also induced by ultraviolet A radiation and potentiated by a combination of 8-methoxypsoralen and ultraviolet A radiation. We incubated cultured normal human melanocytes with 8-methoxypsoralen, irradiated the cells with ultraviolet A radiation, and detected formation of 8-methoxypsoralen-phospholipid photoadducts. The 8-methoxypsoralen-phospholipid photoadducts isolated from melanocytes were substrates for phospholipase A2 to generate 8-methoxypsoralen-fatty acid adducts. We found that 8-methoxypsoralen-fatty acid photoadducts prepared in vitro could be substituted for diacylglycerol to activate protein kinase C in a cell-free system. We propose that 8-methoxypsoralen-fatty acid adducts activate protein kinase C to potentiate ultraviolet A radiation-induced melanogenesis. This proposal links melanogenesis mediated by protein kinase C with that induced by a combination of 8-methoxypsoralen and ultraviolet A radiation.