KHG26792 Inhibits Melanin Synthesis in Mel-Ab Cells and a Skin Equivalent Model
KHG26792 Inhibits Melanin Synthesis in Mel-Ab Cells and a Skin Equivalent Model
- Hailan Li Jandi Kim Hoh-Gyu Hahn Jun Yun Hyo-Soon Jeong Hye-Young Yun Kwang Jin Baek Nyoun Soo Kwon
- 대한생리학회-대한약리학회
- The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology
- 제18권 제3호
- 등재여부 : KCI등재
- 2014.01
- 249 - 254 (6 pages)
The purpose of this study is to characterize the effects of KHG26792 (3-(naphthalen-2-yl(propoxy) methyl)azetidine hydrochloride), a potential skin whitening agent, on melanin synthesis and identify the underlying mechanism of action. Our data showed that KHG26792 significantly reduced melanin synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, KHG26792 downregulated microphthalmiaassociated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanogenesis, although tyrosinase was not inhibited directly. KHG26792 activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), whereas an ERK pathway inhibitor, PD98059, rescued KHG26792-induced hypopigmentation. These results suggest that KHG26792 decreases melanin production via ERK activation. Moreover, the hypopigmentary effects of KHG26792 were confirmed in a pigmented skin equivalent model using <em>Cervi cornus Colla</em> (deer antler glue), in which the color of the pigmented artificial skin became lighter after treatment with KHG26792. In summary, our findings suggest that KHG26792 is a novel skin whitening agent.