ERK Activation by Fucoidan Leads to Inhibition of Melanogenesis in Mel-Ab Cells
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
; : 29-34, 2015.
Article
in En
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-727829
Responsible library:
WPRO
ABSTRACT
Fucoidan, a fucose-rich sulfated polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed in the class Phaeophyceae, has been widely studied for its possible health benefits. However, the potential of fucoidan as a possible treatment for hyperpigmentation is not fully understood. This study investigated the effects of fucoidan on melanogenesis and related signaling pathways using Mel-Ab cells. Fucoidan significantly decreased melanin content. While fucoidan treatment decreased tyrosinase activity, it did not do so directly. Western blot analysis indicated that fucoidan downregulated microphthalmia-associated transcription factor and reduced tyrosinase protein expression. Further investigation showed that fucoidan activated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, suggesting a possible mechanism for the inhibition of melanin synthesis. Treatment with PD98059, a specific ERK inhibitor, resulted in the recovery of melanin production. Taken together, these findings suggest that fucoidan inhibits melanogenesis via ERK phosphorylation.
Key words
Full text:
1
Index:
WPRIM
Main subject:
Phosphorylation
/
Phosphotransferases
/
Seaweed
/
Blotting, Western
/
Monophenol Monooxygenase
/
Hyperpigmentation
/
Phaeophyceae
/
Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor
/
Insurance Benefits
/
Melanins
Language:
En
Journal:
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
Year:
2015
Type:
Article