Platelet-derived growth factor regulates the proliferation and differentiation of human melanocytes in a differentiation-stage-specific manner.
BACKGROUND
Although many kinds of keratinocyte-derived factors are known to regulate the proliferation and differentiation of human melanocytes, it is not well defined whether dermis-derived factors work in a similar way.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to clarify whether dermal factors are involved in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of human melanocytes.


METHODS
Human epidermal melanoblasts were cultured serially in a serum-free growth medium. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) was supplemented to the medium, and the effects on the proliferation of melanoblasts/melanocytes and the differentiation of melanocytes were studied.


RESULTS
PDGF-BB stimulated the proliferation of melanoblasts cultured in melanoblast-proliferation medium, but inhibited the proliferation of melanocytes cultured in melanocyte-proliferation medium. By contrast, PDGF-BB stimulated the differentiation, dendritogenesis, and melanogenesis of melanocytes through the stimulation of tyrosinase activity and the expressions of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that PDGF-BB regulates the proliferation and differentiation of human melanocytes in a differentiation-stage-specific manner. PDGF-BB seems to be one of the dermal factors that regulate the proliferation and differentiation of human melanocytes.
Fukushima Project Headquarters, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan. Electronic address: thirobe@nirs.go.jp.
Tomohisa
T
Hirobe
Shiseido Global Innovation Center, 2-2-1 Hayabuchi, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama 224-8558, Japan.
Tatako
T
Shibata
Shiseido Global Innovation Center, 2-2-1 Hayabuchi, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama 224-8558, Japan.
Rumiko
R
Fujiwara
Shiseido Global Innovation Center, 2-2-1 Hayabuchi, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama 224-8558, Japan.
Kiyoshi
K
Sato
D000077214:Becaplermin; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000378:metabolism; D010088:Oxidoreductases / Q000378:metabolism; D020574:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
D008543:Melanins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D020574:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis; D000077214:Becaplermin; D010088:Oxidoreductases; C489799:TYRP1 protein, human; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase
Dermis; Differentiation; Melanocyte; Proliferation; Skin