ERK Activation by Fucoidan Leads to Inhibition of Melanogenesis in Mel-Ab Cells.
10.4196/kjpp.2015.19.1.29
- Author:
Yu Seok SONG
1
;
Marie Carmel BALCOS
;
Hye Young YUN
;
Kwang Jin BAEK
;
Nyoun Soo KWON
;
Myo Kyoung KIM
;
Dong Seok KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Biochemistry, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 156-756, Korea. ds_kim@cau.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
ERK;
Fucoidan;
Melanogenesis;
MITF;
Tyrosinase
- MeSH:
Blotting, Western;
Hyperpigmentation;
Insurance Benefits;
Melanins;
Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor;
Monophenol Monooxygenase;
Phaeophyta;
Phosphorylation;
Phosphotransferases;
Seaweed
- From:The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
2015;19(1):29-34
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
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.
