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Science (New York, N.Y.) Aug 2023Skin color, one of the most diverse human traits, is determined by the quantity, type, and distribution of melanin. In this study, we leveraged the light-scattering...
Skin color, one of the most diverse human traits, is determined by the quantity, type, and distribution of melanin. In this study, we leveraged the light-scattering properties of melanin to conduct a genome-wide screen for regulators of melanogenesis. We identified 169 functionally diverse genes that converge on melanosome biogenesis, endosomal transport, and gene regulation, of which 135 represented previously unknown associations with pigmentation. In agreement with their melanin-promoting function, the majority of screen hits were up-regulated in melanocytes from darkly pigmented individuals. We further unraveled functions of KLF6 as a transcription factor that regulates melanosome maturation and pigmentation in vivo, and of the endosomal trafficking protein COMMD3 in modulating melanosomal pH. Our study reveals a plethora of melanin-promoting genes, with broad implications for human variation, cell biology, and medicine.
Topics: Humans; Melanins; Melanocytes; Melanosomes; Skin Pigmentation; Genome-Wide Association Study; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Kruppel-Like Factor 6; Endosomes; Animals; Mice; Cell Line, Tumor
PubMed: 37561850
DOI: 10.1126/science.ade6289 -
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical... 2024Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a dermatologic condition with no current cure. Treatments such as minoxidil have been proven to be effective; however, the side effects... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a dermatologic condition with no current cure. Treatments such as minoxidil have been proven to be effective; however, the side effects can be unpleasant. As a result, the utilization of natural remedies for treatment has increased over the years. There is limited scientific evidence that addresses the efficacy of these supplements in combating AGA.
METHODS
A review was conducted of the effectiveness of popular complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) in adult patients experiencing AGA. A literature search was performed for the period of 1993 to 2023 using PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane.
RESULTS
Natural ingredients like pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, melatonin extract, caffeine extract, and rosemary oil were effective in treating AGA either when compared to baseline or a definite AGA Western medication, such as minoxidil. These natural agents also presented minimal side effects.
CONCLUSION
Certain CAMs can be promising for hair loss treatment. There is a need for more scientific research to better explore the efficacy of currently identified CAMs in treating AGA.
PubMed: 38174012
DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2023.2263829