Exosomes released by keratinocytes modulate melanocyte pigmentation.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 26103923.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/ncomms8506 and PMC identifier 4491833.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), exosomes and microvesicles, which transfer proteins, lipids and RNAs to regulate recipient cell functions. Skin pigmentation relies on a tight dialogue between keratinocytes and melanocytes in the epidermis. Here we report that exosomes secreted by keratinocytes enhance melanin synthesis by increasing both the expression and activity of melanosomal proteins. Furthermore, we show that the function of keratinocyte-derived exosomes is phototype-dependent and is modulated by ultraviolet B. In sum, this study uncovers an important physiological function for exosomes in human pigmentation and opens new avenues in our understanding of how pigmentation is regulated by intercellular communication in both healthy and diseased states.
Medical subject headings
- Exosomes
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Keratinocytes
- Melanins
- Melanocytes
- Melanosomes
- RNA, Messenger