The Extract of Rhodobacter sphaeroides Inhibits Melanogenesis through the MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway

Abstract

Reducing hyperpigmentation has been a big issue for years. Even though pigmentation is a normal mechanism protecting skin from UV-causing DNA damage and oxidative stress, it is still an aesthetic problem for many people. Bacteria can produce some compounds in response to their environment. These compounds are widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Some probiotics have immunomodulatory activities and modulate the symptoms of several diseases. Previously, we found that the extracts of Rhodobacter sphaeroides (Lycogen™) inhibited nitric oxide production and inducible nitric-oxide synthase expression in activated macrophages. In this study, we sought to investigate an anti-melanogenic signaling pathway in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-treated B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish. Treatment with Lycogen™ inhibited the cellular melanin contents and expression of melanogenesis-related protein, including microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase in B16F10 cells. Moreover, Lycogen™ reduced phosphorylation of MEK/ERK without affecting phosphorylation of p38. Meanwhile, Lycogen™ decreased zebrafish melanin expression in a dose-dependent manner. These findings establish Lycogen™ as a new target in melanogenesis and suggest a mechanism of action through the ERK signaling pathway. Our results suggested that Lycogen™ may have potential cosmetic usage in the future.

A novel peptide purified from the fermented microalga Pavlova lutheri attenuates oxidative stress and melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells

“…One of the extensively investigated transduction mechanisms involved in the melanogenesis process is the MAPKs pathway [42,46]. Previous studies have revealed that phosphorylation of p38 MAPK can induce through activate MITF expression, and also phosphorylation of JNK and ERK can reduce melanogenesis through MITF phosphorylation and its subsequent degradation on B16F10 cells [47][48][49][50][51]. We therefore examined the influence of the purified peptide treatment on the activation of JNK, ERK and p38 MAPK attempting to further understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the pigmentation property of the purified peptide by western blot assay.…”

Discovery of new depigmenting compounds and their efficacy to treat hyperpigmentation: Evidence from in vitro study

“…In contrast, the melanin content was analyzed using in situ melanin assay where the cells were dissolved in 1 mol/L NaOH and at high temperature, and the absorbance was read at 450 or 405 nm . Instead, Soluene‐350 was also used to solubilize melanin in cell for melanin quantification . Other methods including oxidation of melanin via alkaline H 2 O 2 which later produced specific markers of black melanin (ie, pyrrole‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid and pyrrole‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid) and measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) .…”

“…7,69,126 Instead, Soluene-350 was also used to solubilize melanin in cell for melanin quantification. 16,127 Other methods including oxidation of melanin via alkaline H 2 O 2 which later produced specific markers of black melanin (ie, pyrrole-2,3,5-tricarboxylic acid and pyrrole-2,3-dicarboxylic acid) and measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 16 Recently, re-examination on fluorescence spectroscopy method showed a very high specificity and accuracy for melanin quantification in melanotic cells (ie, melanomas and melanocytes).…”

Connexin 43 Gene Therapy Delivered by Polymer-Modified Salmonella in Murine Tumor Models

“…Horseradish peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibodies were used, and protein-antibody complexes were visualized using an enhanced chemiluminescence system (Amersham) [14]. The signals were quantified using the ImageJ software (rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/) [15][16][17].…”