-
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2023Human skin pigmentation and melanin synthesis are incredibly variable, and are impacted by genetics, UV exposure, and some drugs. Patients' physical appearance,... (Review)
Review
Human skin pigmentation and melanin synthesis are incredibly variable, and are impacted by genetics, UV exposure, and some drugs. Patients' physical appearance, psychological health, and social functioning are all impacted by a sizable number of skin conditions that cause pigmentary abnormalities. Hyperpigmentation, where pigment appears to overflow, and hypopigmentation, where pigment is reduced, are the two major classifications of skin pigmentation. Albinism, melasma, vitiligo, Addison's disease, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can be brought on by eczema, acne vulgaris, and drug interactions, are the most common skin pigmentation disorders in clinical practice. Anti-inflammatory medications, antioxidants, and medications that inhibit tyrosinase, which prevents the production of melanin, are all possible treatments for pigmentation problems. Skin pigmentation can be treated orally and topically with medications, herbal remedies, and cosmetic products, but a doctor should always be consulted before beginning any new medicine or treatment plan. This review article explores the numerous types of pigmentation problems, their causes, and treatments, as well as the 25 plants, 4 marine species, and 17 topical and oral medications now on the market that have been clinically tested to treat skin diseases.
Topics: Humans; Skin Pigmentation; Melanins; Hyperpigmentation; Skin; Monophenol Monooxygenase
PubMed: 37375394
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124839 -
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 -
International Journal of Biological... 2023Hair graying is a common and visible sign of aging resulting from decreased or absence of melanogenesis. Although it has been established that gray hair greatly impacts... (Review)
Review
Hair graying is a common and visible sign of aging resulting from decreased or absence of melanogenesis. Although it has been established that gray hair greatly impacts people's mental health and social life, there is no effective countermeasure other than hair dyes. It has long been thought that reversal of gray hair on a large scale is rare. However, a recent study reported that individual gray hair darkening is a common phenomenon, suggesting the possibility of large-scale reversal of gray hair. In this article, we summarize the regulation mechanism of melanogenesis and review existing cases of hair repigmentation caused by several factors, including monoclonal antibodies drugs, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), immunomodulators, other drugs, micro-injury, and tumors, and speculate on the mechanisms behind them. This review offers some insights for further research into the modulation of melanogenesis and presents a novel perspective on the development of clinical therapies, with emphasis on topical treatments.
Topics: Humans; Hair; Hair Color; Hair Follicle; Melanocytes; Pigmentation; Administration, Topical; Mental Health
PubMed: 37781032
DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.86911 -
Forensic Science International. Genetics Jul 2023Forensic DNA Phenotyping (FDP) comprises the prediction of a person's externally visible characteristics regarding appearance, biogeographic ancestry and age from DNA of... (Review)
Review
Forensic DNA Phenotyping (FDP) comprises the prediction of a person's externally visible characteristics regarding appearance, biogeographic ancestry and age from DNA of crime scene samples, to provide investigative leads to help find unknown perpetrators that cannot be identified with forensic STR-profiling. In recent years, FDP has advanced considerably in all of its three components, which we summarize in this review article. Appearance prediction from DNA has broadened beyond eye, hair and skin color to additionally comprise other traits such as eyebrow color, freckles, hair structure, hair loss in men, and tall stature. Biogeographic ancestry inference from DNA has progressed from continental ancestry to sub-continental ancestry detection and the resolving of co-ancestry patterns in genetically admixed individuals. Age estimation from DNA has widened beyond blood to more somatic tissues such as saliva and bones as well as new markers and tools for semen. Technological progress has allowed forensically suitable DNA technology with largely increased multiplex capacity for the simultaneous analysis of hundreds of DNA predictors with targeted massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Forensically validated MPS-based FDP tools for predicting from crime scene DNA i) several appearance traits, ii) multi-regional ancestry, iii) several appearance traits together with multi-regional ancestry, and iv) age from different tissue types, are already available. Despite recent advances that will likely increase the impact of FDP in criminal casework in the near future, moving reliable appearance, ancestry and age prediction from crime scene DNA to the level of detail and accuracy police investigators may desire, requires further intensified scientific research together with technical developments and forensic validations as well as the necessary funding.
Topics: Humans; Forensic Genetics; Phenotype; DNA; Forensic Medicine; Skin Pigmentation; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Eye Color
PubMed: 37084623
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102870 -
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental... 2023Melanocytes, which originate from the neuroectoderm, are specialized cells responsible for producing pigments and possessing a dendritic morphology. These cells migrate... (Review)
Review
Melanocytes, which originate from the neuroectoderm, are specialized cells responsible for producing pigments and possessing a dendritic morphology. These cells migrate to the epidermis and follicles, contributing to skin and hair pigmentation during embryonic development. The remarkable self-renewal capacity of melanocytes enables them to effectively restore hair and skin pigmentation. The synthesis of melanin to safeguard the skin against damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, as well as the enigmatic immune function of melanocytes, demonstrate their indispensable contributions to maintaining cutaneous homeostasis. The regulation of cutaneous pigmentation involves an intricate network influenced by intrinsic cellular signals within melanocytes and extracellular cues. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the role of melanocytes in skin biology. This in-depth analysis could open novel avenues for research aimed at the prevention and treatment of skin disorders.
PubMed: 38078014
DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1309557