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Yap PG, Gan CY. Tyrosinase inhibitory peptides: Structure-activity relationship study on peptide chemical properties, terminal preferences and intracellular regulation of melanogenesis signaling pathways. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130503. [PMID: 37923180 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130503] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bioactive peptides have gained attention as potential alternatives to chemical-based skin lightening agents. Based on literature search, the reported articles focused mainly on the sources and preparation methods of tyrosinase inhibitory peptides and there is lacking information regarding the structure-activity relationship (SAR) between peptide property and tyrosinase inhibition. It was hypothesized that peptide properties such as hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and the amino acid type and position/arrangement at the terminal positions could affect peptide mode of binding hence result in various degrees of tyrosinase inhibition. METHODS In this study, the sequences of 128 tyrosinase inhibitory peptides were collected from peer-reviewed articles. The hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity property and the amino acid profile of peptides at the N- and C-terminals were analyzed using bioinformatics tools. Molecular docking analysis was employed to further elucidate the roles of reactive amino acids in tyrosinase-peptide binding interactions. The peptide-regulated intracellular melanogenesis pathways were also compiled and discussed. RESULTS It was found that hydrophobic and/or polar neutral properties may facilitate or stabilize peptide binding with tyrosinase. Moreover, short peptides featuring a cysteine and tyrosine at the N- and C- terminal ultimate positions tend to bind to the active site of tyrosinase whereas positively charged amino acid such as arginine at the N-terminal does not favor peptide binding to tyrosinase. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide detailed explanation on how peptide/amino acid structures are related and what function they play in tyrosinase inhibition. It could also inspire researchers to account for tyrosinase-peptide SAR and the underlying anti-melanogenesis mechanisms in formulating peptide-based treatments or strategies against skin hyperpigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Gee Yap
- Analytical Biochemistry Research Centre (ABrC), Universiti Sains Malaysia, University Innovation Incubator Building, SAINS@USM, Lebuh Bukit Jambul, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Yuen Gan
- Analytical Biochemistry Research Centre (ABrC), Universiti Sains Malaysia, University Innovation Incubator Building, SAINS@USM, Lebuh Bukit Jambul, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia.
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2
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Kose A, Oncel SS. Design of melanogenesis regulatory peptides derived from phycocyanin of the microalgae Spirulina platensis. Peptides 2022; 152:170783. [PMID: 35278583 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pigmentation issues are common conditions associated with excessive or insufficient production of melanin. Recently peptides are investigated to discover novel melanogenesis regulators as low molecular weight compounds to regulate skin pigmentation. In this study, an internal library of peptides obtained through in silico enzymatic digestion of phycocyanin from microalgae S. platensis was tested to apprehend their anti-melanogenic effects. Seven peptides were investigated for their inhibitory potential against mushroom and B16-F10 murine tyrosinase enzymes. According to the results, P5 (SPSWY) and P7 (AADQRGKDKCARDIGY) were effective in lowering the activity of mushroom and B16-F10 tyrosinases. P5 was the most potent (IC50 value, 12.1 µM) in mushroom which was followed by P2 (MAACLR, 86.9 µM). Although the peptides were particularly powerful in inhibiting monophenolase activity, only moderate inhibition was observed for diphenolase activity in mushroom tyrosinase assay. Apart from tyrosinase inhibition, P2 and P3 (RCLNGRL) were efficient DPPH radical scavengers at low concentrations (IC50 < 200 µM). In the mammalian assay system, P5 and P7 were noticeably effective to decrease tyrosinase enzyme activity with IC50 values of 48.9 and 34.2 µM, respectively. However, although P4 (RYVTYAVF) was a potent mushroom tyrosinase inhibitor, it increased melanin synthesis up to 3-fold in B16-F10 cells. The results indicate that C-terminal tyrosine residue is important for tyrosinase inhibition. This study shows, for the first time, that microalgae proteins can be regarded as sources for melanogenesis regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Kose
- Ege University Faculty of Engineering Department of Bioengineering, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Suphi S Oncel
- Ege University Faculty of Engineering Department of Bioengineering, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.
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Boo YC. Metabolic Basis and Clinical Evidence for Skin Lightening Effects of Thiol Compounds. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11030503. [PMID: 35326153 PMCID: PMC8944565 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanin pigment is a major factor in determining the color of the skin, and its abnormal increase or decrease can cause serious pigmentation disorders. The melanin pigment of the skin is divided into light pheomelanin and dark eumelanin, and a big difference between them is whether they contain sulfur. Melanin synthesis starts from a common reaction in which tyrosine or dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) is oxidized by tyrosinase (TYR) to produce dopaquinone (DQ). DQ is spontaneously converted to leukodopachrome and then oxidized to dopachrome, which enters the eumelanin synthesis pathway. When DQ reacts with cysteine, cysteinyl dopa is generated, which is oxidized to cysteinyl DQ and enters the pheomelanin synthesis pathway. Therefore, thiol compounds can influence the relative synthesis of eumelanin and pheomelanin. In addition, thiol compounds can inhibit enzymatic activity by binding to copper ions at the active site of TYR, and act as an antioxidant scavenging reactive oxygen species and free radicals or as a modulator of redox balance, thereby inhibiting overall melanin synthesis. This review will cover the metabolic aspects of thiol compounds, the role of thiol compounds in melanin synthesis, comparison of the antimelanogenic effects of various thiol compounds, and clinical trials on the skin lightening efficacy of thiol compounds. We hope that this review will help identify the advantages and disadvantages of various thiol compounds as modulators of skin pigmentation and contribute to the development of safer and more effective strategies for the treatment of pigmentation disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chool Boo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Korea;
- BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Korea
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Korea
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4
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Lim D, Lee KJ, Kim Y, Kim M, Ju HM, Kim MJ, Choi DH, Choi J, Kim S, Kang D, Lee K, Hahn JH. A Basic Domain-Derived Tripeptide Inhibits MITF Activity by Reducing its Binding to the Promoter of Target Genes. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:2459-2469. [PMID: 33823181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The keratinocytes in UV-irradiated skin produce and secrete α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone upregulates the expression of MITF in melanocytes through the cAMP‒protein kinase A‒CREB signaling pathway. Thereafter, MITF induces the expression of melanogenic genes, including the tyrosinase gene TYR and TYRP-1 and TYRP-2 genes, which leads to the synthesis and accumulation of melanin. In this study, we examined whether MITF basic region-derived tripeptides can bind to the DNA-binding domain of MITF and inhibit MITF-induced melanogenesis through the inhibition of MITF‒DNA binding. MITF-KGR, a representative MITF-derived tripeptide, suppressed the transcriptional activity of MITF by disrupting its binding to the promoter region of the target genes, which resulted in the inhibition of skin epidermis thickness and melanin synthesis in vivo and in vitro. Our results indicate that MITF-KGR exerts an inhibitory effect on melanogenesis by targeting MITF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyoung Lim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Jin Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuri Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Minseo Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Mi Ju
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-Ju Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hwa Choi
- Biocenter, Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Choi
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suree Kim
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongmin Kang
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungyul Lee
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Hee Hahn
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.
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Boo YC. Up- or Downregulation of Melanin Synthesis Using Amino Acids, Peptides, and Their Analogs. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8090322. [PMID: 32882959 PMCID: PMC7555855 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Harmonious synthesis and distribution of melanin in the skin contribute to the expression of beauty and the maintenance of health. When skin pigmentary disorders occur because of internal or external factors or, when there is a need to artificially increase or reduce the pigmentation level of the skin for aesthetic or therapeutic purposes, various pharmacological therapies are applied but the results are not always satisfactory. Studies have been conducted to improve the efficacy and safety of these treatment strategies. In this review, we present the latest studies regarding peptides and related compounds that may be useful in artificially increasing or reducing skin melanin levels. Certain analogs of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) and oligopeptides with the sequences derived from the hormone were shown to promote melanin synthesis in cells and in vivo models. Various amino acids, peptides, their analogs, and their hybrid compounds with other chemical moieties were shown to inhibit tyrosinase (TYR) catalytic activity or downregulate TYR gene expression. Certain peptides were shown to inhibit melanosome biogenesis or induce autophagy, leading to decreased pigmentation. In vivo and clinical evidence are available for some compounds, including [Nle4-D-Phe7]-α-MSH, glutathione disulfide, and glycinamide hydrochloride. For many other compounds, additional studies are required to verify their efficacy and safety in vivo and in clinical trials. The accumulating information regarding pro- and antimelanogenic activity of peptides and related compounds will lead to the development of novel drugs for the treatment of skin pigmentary disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chool Boo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Korea; ; Tel.: +82-53-420-4946
- BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea
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Kim JH, Seok JK, Kim YM, Boo YC. Identification of small peptides and glycinamide that inhibit melanin synthesis using a positional scanning synthetic peptide combinatorial library. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181:128-137. [PMID: 30637717 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.17634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimelanogenic peptides are potentially useful to treat hyperpigmentation, but many peptides have limited application because of high cost and/or low activity. OBJECTIVES To identify small and potent peptide inhibitors of cellular melanin synthesis that are useful for cosmetic and medical applications. METHODS A positional scanning synthetic tetrapeptide combinatorial library was used for screening of potentially active peptides. Antimelanogenic activities of the peptide pools and individual peptides were evaluated in B16-F10 melanoma cells and human epidermal melanocytes treated with alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). RESULTS Predicted active tetrapeptide sequences were R-(F/L)-(C/W)-(G/R)-NH2 . Of the individual tetrapeptides tested, D3 (RFWG-NH2 ) and D5 (RLWG-NH2 ) exhibited high antimelanogenic activities. Tetrapeptide D9 (FRWG-NH2 ) with a sequence identical to that of a portion of α-MSH also showed antimelanogenic activity. Of the tripeptides tested, E5 (FWG-NH2 ), E6 (LWG-NH2 ) and E7 (RWG-NH2 ) were relatively more active. Dipeptide F1 (WG-NH2 ) and monopeptide G1 (G-NH2 , glycinamide) retained activity, but G2 (Ac-G-NH2 ) and G3 (glycine) did not. The antimelanogenic activities of peptides D3, E5, F1 and G1 were verified in α-MSH-stimulated human epidermal melanocytes. Commercially available G-NH2 ·HCl suppressed the phosphorylation levels of cAMP-responsive element binding protein, protein levels of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor and tyrosinase, l-tyrosine hydroxylase activity of tyrosinase, and the melanin levels in stimulated cells. CONCLUSIONS Small peptides, including glycinamide and tryptophanyl glycinamide, are potent antimelanogenic agents with potential value for the treatment of skin hyperpigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - J K Seok
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Y M Kim
- Ruby Crown Co., Ltd., Suite 505, Korea, Mediventure Center, 76 Dongnae-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Y C Boo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cell and Matrix Research Institute, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.,Ruby Crown Co., Ltd., Suite 505, Korea, Mediventure Center, 76 Dongnae-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41061, Republic of Korea
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7
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Fukunaga S, Wada S, Aoi W, Osada‐Oka M, Minamiyama Y, Ichikawa H, Higashi A. Effect of melanogenesis inhibition by a yeast extract in comparison to that by other food extracts, and its mechanism of action. J Food Biochem 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.12520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Fukunaga
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental SciencesKyoto Prefectural UniversityShimogamo Kyoto606 8522 Japan
| | - Sayori Wada
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental SciencesKyoto Prefectural UniversityShimogamo Kyoto606 8522 Japan
| | - Wataru Aoi
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental SciencesKyoto Prefectural UniversityShimogamo Kyoto606 8522 Japan
| | - Mayuko Osada‐Oka
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental SciencesKyoto Prefectural UniversityShimogamo Kyoto606 8522 Japan
| | - Yukiko Minamiyama
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental SciencesKyoto Prefectural UniversityShimogamo Kyoto606 8522 Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ichikawa
- Graduate School of Life and Medical SciencesDoshisha University, Tatara MiyakodaniKyotanabe Kyoto610 0394 Japan
| | - Akane Higashi
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental SciencesKyoto Prefectural UniversityShimogamo Kyoto606 8522 Japan
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Kwon SH, Choi HR, Kang YA, Park KC. Depigmenting Effect of Resveratrol Is Dependent on FOXO3a Activation without SIRT1 Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061213. [PMID: 28590410 PMCID: PMC5486036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol exhibits not only anti-melanogenic property by inhibiting microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), but also anti-aging property by activating sirtuin-1 (SIRT1). In this study, the relationship between depigmenting effect of resveratrol and SIRT1/forkhead box O (FOXO) 3a activation and was investigated. Resveratrol suppressed melanogenesis by the downregulation of MITF and tyrosinase via ERK pathway. Results showed that the expression of both SIRT1 and FOXO3a were increased. It is reported that SIRT1 is critical regulator of FOXO-mediated transcription in response to oxidative stress. However in our study, FOXO3a activation appeared earlier than that of SIRT1. Furthermore, the effect of resveratrol on the levels of MITF and tyrosinase was suppressed when melanocytes were pre-treated with SP600125 (JNK inhibitor). However, pre-treatment with SIRT1 inhibitor (EX527, or sirtinol) did not affect the levels of MITF and tyrosinase. Therefore, resveratrol inhibits melanogenesis through the activation of FOXO3a but not by the activation of SIRT1. Although SIRT1 activation by resveratrol is a well-known mechanism of resveratrol-induced antiaging effects, our study showed that not SIRT1 but FOXO3a activation is involved in depigmenting effects of resveratrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon-Hyo Kwon
- College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggi 13620, Korea.
| | - Hye-Ryung Choi
- College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggi 13620, Korea.
| | - Youn-A Kang
- College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggi 13620, Korea.
| | - Kyoung-Chan Park
- College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggi 13620, Korea.
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Ishii N, Ryu M, Suzuki YA. Lactoferrin inhibits melanogenesis by down-regulating MITF in melanoma cells and normal melanocytes. Biochem Cell Biol 2017; 95:119-125. [DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2016-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) on melanin-producing cells and to elucidate its mechanism of action. We tested the anti-melanogenic effect of bLf on a 3-dimensional cultured pigmentation skin model and confirmed a 20% reduction in pigmentation, suggesting that bLf was transdermally absorbed and it suppressed melanin production. Treatment of human melanoma cells with bLf resulted in a significant, dose-dependent suppression of melanin production. Apo-bLf and holo-bLf suppressed melanogenesis to the same degree as bLf. The key feature behind this anti-melanogenic effect of bLf was the down-regulation of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), leading to the suppression of tyrosinase activity. Treatment with bLf resulted in both decreased expression of MITF mRNA and enhanced degradation of MITF protein. However, the primary effector was enhanced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), leading to the phosphorylation and degradation of MITF. Our finding that bLf suppresses melanin production in melanocytes indicates that bLf is a possible candidate for application as a skin-whitening agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanase Ishii
- Lactoferrin Laboratory, Saraya Co. Ltd., 24-12 Tamate-cho, Kashiwara, Osaka, Japan, 582-0028
- Lactoferrin Laboratory, Saraya Co. Ltd., 24-12 Tamate-cho, Kashiwara, Osaka, Japan, 582-0028
| | - Mizuyuki Ryu
- Lactoferrin Laboratory, Saraya Co. Ltd., 24-12 Tamate-cho, Kashiwara, Osaka, Japan, 582-0028
- Lactoferrin Laboratory, Saraya Co. Ltd., 24-12 Tamate-cho, Kashiwara, Osaka, Japan, 582-0028
| | - Yasushi A. Suzuki
- Lactoferrin Laboratory, Saraya Co. Ltd., 24-12 Tamate-cho, Kashiwara, Osaka, Japan, 582-0028
- Lactoferrin Laboratory, Saraya Co. Ltd., 24-12 Tamate-cho, Kashiwara, Osaka, Japan, 582-0028
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Downregulation of melanogenesis: drug discovery and therapeutic options. Drug Discov Today 2016; 22:282-298. [PMID: 27693716 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Melanin, primarily responsible in humans for hair, eye and skin pigmentation, is produced by melanocytes through a process called melanogenesis. However, the abnormal accumulation of melanin causes dermatological problems such as café-au-lait macules ephelides (freckles), solar lentigo (age spots) and melasma, as well as cancer and vitiligo. Hence the regulation of melanogenesis is very important for treating hyperpigmentary disorders. Numerous antimelanogenic agents that target tyrosinase activity and/or stability, melanosome maturation, transfer and trafficking, or melanogenesis-related signaling pathways have been developed. This article reviews recent advances in research and development of human tyrosinase and melanogenesis-related signaling pathway inhibitors. Attempts have been made to provide a complete description of the mechanism of action of inhibitors on various melanogenesis signaling pathways.
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