title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Asia-Pacific Biotech Developing, Inc., Kaohsiung 806, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Wen-Sheng
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Yu-Diao
authors.initials: YD
authors.lastname: Kuan
authors.forename: Kuo-Hsun
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Chiu
authors.forename: Wei-Kuang
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Fu-Hsin
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Chen-Hsun
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Che-Hsin
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000188:drug therapy; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects*; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008546:Melanoma, Experimental; D051379:Mice; D051739:Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000378:metabolism; D010766:Phosphorylation / Q000187:drug effects; D012242:Rhodobacter sphaeroides / Q000737:chemistry*; D015027:Zebrafish; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008543:Melanins; D051739:Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor; D000521:alpha-MSH; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase