ERK Activation by Fucoidan Leads to Inhibition of Melanogenesis in Mel-Ab Cells
ERK Activation by Fucoidan Leads to Inhibition of Melanogenesis in Mel-Ab Cells
- Yu Seok Song Marie Carmel Balcos Hye-Young Yun Kwang Jin Baek Nyoun Soo Kwon Myo-Kyoung Kim Dong-Seo
- 대한생리학회-대한약리학회
- The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology
- 제19권 제1호
- 등재여부 : KCI등재
- 2015.01
- 29 - 34 (6 pages)
Fucoidan, a fucose-rich sulfated polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed in the class Phaeo-phyceae, 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.