ERK Activation by Fucoidan Leads to Inhibition of Melanogenesis in Mel-Ab Cells

作者：Song Yu Seok; Balcos Marie Carmel; Yun Hye Young; Baek Kwang Jin; Kwon Nyoun Soo; Kim Myo Kyoung; Kim Dong Seok^*

来源：Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 2015, 19(1): 29-34.

DOI：10.4196/kjpp.2015.19.1.29

• ERK
• Fucoidan
• Melanogenesis
• MITF
• Tyrosinase

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 hyperpigrnentation 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.

• 出版日期2015-1