The Role of Sphingosine-1-phosphate in Melanogenesis

  • Kim, Dong-Seok (Research Division for Human Life Sciences, Seoul National University) ;
  • Hwang, Eui-Soo (Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicin) ;
  • Lee, Jai-Eun (Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicin) ;
  • Kwon, Sun-Bang (Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicin) ;
  • Park, Kyoung-Chan (Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine)
  • Published : 2003.10.01

Abstract

This study shows that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) significantly inhibits melanin synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner, and that the activity of tyrosinase was also reduced in S1P-treated cells. In contrast, a specific extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway inhibitor, PD98059 increased tyrosinase activity and melanin production, and PD98059 restored the reduced tyrosinase activity and pigmentation induced by SIP. We also found that S1P induces the sustained activation of ERK and the subsequent degradation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), which plays a key role in melanogenesis. (omitted)

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