1
|
Li Z, Wang X, Guan L, Liu M, Wang H, Wu D, Yi X, Jian S, Sheng J. Molecular characterization, spatiotemporal expression, and background adaptation regulation of tyrosinase in loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus). JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38852940 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The Poyang Lake region is home to large-blackspot loaches (LBL), small-blackspot loaches (SBL), and non-blackspot loaches (NBL), Misgurnus anguillicaudatus. To investigate the impact of tyrosinase on spot development, the complementary DNAs (cDNA) of tyrosinase in M. anguillicaudatus (designated as Matyr) were cloned using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE)-PCR method. The full-length cDNA for Matyr was 2020 bp, and the open-reading frame comprised 1617 bp, encoding a predicted protein with 538 amino acids. Phylogenetic studies revealed that MaTyr was first grouped with Tyr of Triplophysa tibetana and Leptobotia taeniops, and then Tyr of other cyprinid fish. The quantitative reverse-transcription-PCR results show that Matyr was highly expressed in the muscle, caudal fin, and dorsal skin. The Matyr gene's messenger RNA expression pattern steadily increased from the fertilized ovum period to the somitogenesis period, and from the muscle effect stage to 6 days after fertilization, it considerably increased (p < 0.01). The Matyr hybridization signals with similar location could be found in all developmental stages of three kinds of loaches using whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) technology and were the strongest during the organ development period and melanin formation period. Dot hybridization signals in LBLs rapidly spread to the back of the body beginning at the period when the eyes first formed melanin, and their dimensions were larger than those of NBLs during the same time period. The body color of loaches could change reversibly with black/white background adaptation. The α-msh, mitfa, and tyr are mainly expressed in loaches adapted with a black background. Tyr gene could be involved in the development of blackspots and body color polymorphism, and contribute to organ development in the loach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Li
- Key Laboratory for Aquatic Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xinchen Wang
- Key Laboratory for Aquatic Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Le Guan
- Key Laboratory for Aquatic Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Muxin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Aquatic Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Key Laboratory for Aquatic Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Di Wu
- Key Laboratory for Aquatic Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaobing Yi
- Jiangxi Jiacheng Loach Breeding Base, Yichun, China
| | - Shaoqing Jian
- Key Laboratory for Aquatic Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Junqing Sheng
- Key Laboratory for Aquatic Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Jiangxi Province, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shi J, Guo Y, Wang H, Xiao Y, Liu W, Lyu L. The ubiquitin-proteasome system in melanin metabolism. J Cosmet Dermatol 2022; 21:6661-6668. [PMID: 36207998 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a highly conserved way of regulating intracellular protein balance. UPS mediates proteolysis and disruption of variation or misfolding, while finely regulating proteins involved in differentiation and other biological processes. AIMS The aim of this review is to systematically introduce UPS as a key regulator of melanin metabolism. METHODS Systematic search and retrospective review were performed on the published data. RESULTS Melanocyte-inducing transcription factor (MITF) is a substrate of the ubiquitin ligase VCHL1 and acts as a transcription factor to regulate the expression of key enzymes in melanin synthesis such as tyrosinase (TYR). The rate-limiting enzyme TYR is modified by the ubiquitin ligase Hrd1 during melanosynthesis. Melanin itself is also regulated by multiple ubiquitin ligases including Fbp1 and Vhl. By regulating the ubiquitination modification to target each link of melanin synthesis, it plays an important role in correcting the disorder of melanin metabolism. A number of chemical agents have been proven to inhibit the activity of ubiquitin ligase. CONCLUSIONS Drugs targeting E3 ligase and deubiquitinating enzymes have great potential in the treatment of melanin metabolism disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingpei Shi
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming, China
| | - Yanfang Guo
- Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hanying Wang
- Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yun Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Weimin Liu
- Department of Dermatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Lechun Lyu
- Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Integrative mRNA-miRNA interaction analysis reveals the molecular mechanism of skin color variation between wild-type and yellow mutant rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 40:100914. [PMID: 34653947 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is an important economic fish in China. Skin color affects the economic value of trout. However, the molecular mechanism of the skin color variation between wild-type (WR) and yellow mutant rainbow trout (YR) is unclear. We sequenced mRNAs and miRNAs of dorsal skin to identify key color variation-associated mRNAs and miRNAs between WR and YR. Overall, 2060 out of 3625 differentially expressed genes were upregulated in YR, and 196 out of 275 differentially expressed miRNAs were downregulated in WR. We identified three key YR-upregulated genes related to the formation of xanthophores (GCH1, SLC2A11, and SOX10). Interestingly, several genes related to melanogenesis (TYR, TYRP1, TYRP2, MC1R, MITF, PMEL, SLC45A2, and OCA2) were downregulated in WR. Integrated analysis identified five miRNAs that target at least two skin color-related genes (miR-495-y, miR-543-y, miR-665-z, miR-433-y, and miR-382-x). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of target genes identified noncoding RNA metabolic process as the most significantly enriched GO term, and several metabolic pathways associated with skin color were enriched significantly, such as tyrosine metabolism, histidine metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism. Quantitative real-time PCR of selected mRNAs and miRNAs validated the reliability of the integrated analysis. This study provides in-depth insights into the molecular mechanism of skin color variation between WR and YR, which will accelerate the genetic selection and breeding of rainbow trout with consumer-favored traits.
Collapse
|
4
|
The Formation of Melanocyte Apoptotic Bodies in Vitiligo and the Relocation of Vitiligo Autoantigens under Oxidative Stress. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:7617839. [PMID: 34745423 PMCID: PMC8568525 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7617839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Oxidative stress has a vital role in the early stages of vitiligo. Autoantigens released from apoptotic melanocytes (MC) under oxidative stress are involved in the presentation and recognition of antigens. However, the transport of autoantigens to the cell surface and their release to the extracellular environment are still unclear. Apoptotic bodies (ABs) have always been considered as a key source of immunomodulators and autoantigens. Yet, the role of ABs in the immune mechanism of vitiligo is still unknown. Purpose To explore whether MC's autoantigens translocate into ABs during oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and study the molecular mechanisms underlying autoantigen migration and AB formation. Methods PIG3V (an immortalized human vitiligo melanocyte cell line) were treated with H2O2, and ABs were separated. Transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, Western blot, mass spectrometry, and other methods were used to determine the relocation of specific antigens in PIG3V cells to ABs. After pretreatment with specific inhibitors (Rho kinase (Y-27632), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK, ML-9), pan-caspase (zVAD-FMK), and JNK (SP600125)), the pathway of autoantigen translocation into ABs and the formation of apoptotic bodies were determined. Results When treated with 0.8 mM H2O2, ABs were released from these cells. Autoantigens such as tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP-1) and cleavage nuclear membrane antigen Lamin A/C (Asp230) were concentrated in ABs. The expression of autoantigens and the formation of ABs increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner after treatment with H2O2, while the application of specific inhibitors inhibited the formation of apoptotic bodies, i.e., the expression of antigens. Conclusion Vitiligo autoantigens translocate into ABs in the process of apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. The cytoskeletal protein activation pathway and the JNK-related apoptosis pathway are involved in the transport of autoantigens and the formation of ABs. ABs may be the key bridge between MC cell apoptosis and cellular immunity.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu M, Chen X, Cui K, Li H, Jiang Y. Pigmentation formation and expression analysis of tyrosinase in Siniperca chuatsi. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2020; 46:1279-1293. [PMID: 32185567 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-020-00788-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Animal pigmentation primarily depends on the presence and mixing ratio of chromatophores, functioning in animal survival and communication. For the benthic and carnivorous Siniperca chuatsi, pigmentation pattern is key to concealment and predation. In this study, the formation, distribution, and main pattern of chromatophores were observed in the embryos, larvae, skins, and visceral tissues from S. chuatsi. Melanophores were firstly visualized in the yolk sac at segmentation stage, and then they were migrated to the whole body and further clustered into the black stripes, bands, and patches. In adult S. chuatsi, the head, black band, and body side skins mainly contained melanophores, showing as deep or light black. The abdomen skin mainly contained iridophores, showing as silvery. In the eye, the pigment layers were located in the epithelial layers of iris and retina and shown as black. Then, the pigmentation-related gene, tyrosinase gene from S. chuatsi (Sc-tyr) was analyzed by bioinformatics and quantitative methods. The Sc-tyr gene encoded a protein with 540 amino acids (Sc-TYR). The Sc-TYR contained two copper ion binding sites, which were coordinated by six conserved histidines (H182, H205, H214, H366, H370, H393) and necessary for catalytic activity. The Sc-TYR was well conserved compared with TYR of various species with higher degree of sequence similarity with other fishes (77.6-98.3%). The qRT-PCR test showed that the Sc-tyr mRNA reached the peak value at segmentation stage in the embryo development, the black skins displayed a higher expression level than that in silvery skin, and the eye had the highest expression level compared with other tissues. Further research on enzyme activity showed that the expression patterns of tyrosinase activity were similar to that of the Sc-tyr mRNA. Comparing with the results of molecular and phenotype, it was found that the temporal and spatial distributions of tyrosinase corresponded well with changes in pigmentation patterns and the intensity of skin melanization. This study initially explored the pigmentation formation and tyrosinase expression, which served as a foundation for further insight into the genetics mechanism of body color formation in S. chuatsi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minglin Wu
- Fisheries Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Aquaculture & Stock Enhancement, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaowu Chen
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education (Shanghai Ocean University), Shanghai, 201306, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai, 201306, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Fisheries Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Aquaculture & Stock Enhancement, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China.
| | - Haiyang Li
- Fisheries Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Aquaculture & Stock Enhancement, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Yangyang Jiang
- Fisheries Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Aquaculture & Stock Enhancement, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Teulings HE, Tjin EPM, Willemsen KJ, van der Kleij S, ter Meulen S, Kemp EH, Krebbers G, van Noesel CJM, Franken CLMC, Drijfhout JW, Melief CJM, Nieuweboer-Krobotova L, Nieweg OE, van der Hage JA, van der Veen JPW, Relyveld GN, Luiten RM. Anti-Melanoma immunity and local regression of cutaneous metastases in melanoma patients treated with monobenzone and imiquimod; a phase 2 a trial. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1419113. [PMID: 29632737 PMCID: PMC5889200 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1419113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitiligo development in melanoma patients during immunotherapy is a favorable prognostic sign and indicates breakage of tolerance against melanocytic/melanoma antigens. We investigated a novel immunotherapeutic approach of the skin-depigmenting compound monobenzone synergizing with imiquimod in inducing antimelanoma immunity and melanoma regression. Stage III-IV melanoma patients with non-resectable cutaneous melanoma metastases were treated with monobenzone and imiquimod (MI) therapy applied locally to cutaneous metastases and adjacent skin during 12 weeks, or longer. Twenty-one of 25 enrolled patients were evaluable for clinical assessment at 12 weeks. MI therapy was well-tolerated. Partial regression of cutaneous metastases was observed in 8 patients and stable disease in 1 patient, reaching the statistical endpoint of treatment efficacy. Continued treatment induced clinical response in 11 patients, including complete responses in three patients. Seven patients developed vitiligo-like depigmentation on areas of skin that were not treated with MI therapy, indicating a systemic effect of MI therapy. Melanoma-specific antibody responses were induced in 7 of 17 patients tested and melanoma-specific CD8+T-cell responses in 11 of 15 patients tested. These systemic immune responses were significantly increased during therapy as compared to baseline in responding patients. This study shows that MI therapy induces local and systemic anti-melanoma immunity and local regression of cutaneous metastases in 38% of patients, or 52% during prolonged therapy. This study provides proof-of-concept of MI therapy, a low-cost, broadly applicable and well-tolerated treatment for cutaneous melanoma metastases, attractive for further clinical investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hansje-Eva Teulings
- Dept. of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Depts. of Dermatology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther P. M. Tjin
- Dept. of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karina J. Willemsen
- Dept. of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie van der Kleij
- Depts. of Dermatology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvia ter Meulen
- Surgical Oncology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E. Helen Kemp
- Dept. of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Gabrielle Krebbers
- Dept. of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carel J. M. van Noesel
- Dept. of Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis L. M. C. Franken
- Dept. of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan W. Drijfhout
- Dept. of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ludmila Nieuweboer-Krobotova
- Dept. of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Depts. of Dermatology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Omgo E. Nieweg
- Surgical Oncology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jos A. van der Hage
- Surgical Oncology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J. P. Wietze van der Veen
- Dept. of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Depts. of Dermatology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Germaine N. Relyveld
- Depts. of Dermatology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosalie M. Luiten
- Dept. of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Teulings HE, Willemsen KJ, Glykofridis I, Krebbers G, Komen L, Kroon MW, Kemp EH, Wolkerstorfer A, van der Veen JPW, Luiten RM, Tjin EPM. The antibody response against MART-1 differs in patients with melanoma-associated leucoderma and vitiligo. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2014; 27:1086-96. [DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hansje-Eva Teulings
- Department of Dermatology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Karin J. Willemsen
- Department of Dermatology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Iris Glykofridis
- Department of Dermatology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Gabrielle Krebbers
- Department of Dermatology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Komen
- Department of Dermatology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Marije W. Kroon
- Department of Dermatology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - E. Helen Kemp
- Department of Human Metabolism; The Medical School; University of Sheffield; Sheffield UK
| | - Albert Wolkerstorfer
- Department of Dermatology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - J. P. Wietze van der Veen
- Department of Dermatology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Department of Dermatology; Medisch Centrum Haaglanden; The Hague The Netherlands
| | - Rosalie M. Luiten
- Department of Dermatology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Esther P. M. Tjin
- Department of Dermatology; Academic Medical Center; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Vitiligo is a disease of pigment loss. Most investigators currently consider vitiligo to be a disorder that occurs as a result of autoimmune destruction of melanocytes, supported by identification of antimelanocyte antibodies in many patients, and the presence of comorbid autoimmune disease in patients with and family members of individuals with vitiligo. One-half of vitiligo cases are of childhood onset. This article presents a current overview of pediatric vitiligo including comorbidities of general health, psychological factors, therapeutic options, and long-term health considerations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nanette B Silverberg
- Department of Dermatology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1090 Amsterdam Avenue, Suite 11D, New York, NY 10025, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rašković S, Matić IZ, Đorđić M, Damjanović A, Kolundžija B, Grozdanić-Stanisavljević N, Besu I, Jovičić Ž, Bijelić B, Janković L, Juranić Z. Immunoreactivity to food antigens in patients with chronic urticaria. Immunol Invest 2014; 43:504-16. [DOI: 10.3109/08820139.2014.892509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
10
|
Rudnicka L, Lukomska M. Alternaria scalp infection in a patient with alopecia areata. Coexistence or causative relationship? J Dermatol Case Rep 2013; 6:120-4. [PMID: 23329992 DOI: 10.3315/jdcr.2012.1120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that is affecting anagen hair follicles. The triggers of autoimmunity in patients with alopecia areata remain unknown. MAIN OBSERVATION A 13-year-old boy developed multiple hairless patches of focal hair loss with typical clinical and trichoscopy features of alopecia areata. Mycology examination of the scalp hair and epidermal scrapings reveled massive growth of Alternaria chlamydospora. CONCLUSION We hypothesize that fungal antigens (e.g. antigens involved in fungal melanin synthesis) may be possible triggers, contributing to autoimmune reactions in patients with alopecia areata. We discuss research data, which may indirectly support this hypothesis, however the concept has yet to be verified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Rudnicka
- Department of Dermatology CSK MSW, Warsaw, Poland ; Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland ; Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|