Exosomal miRNA derived from keratinocytes regulates pigmentation in melanocytes. Issue 3 (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Ying; Xue, Linli; Gao, Hang; Chang, Lucheng; Yu, Xiuju; Zhu, Zhiwei; He, Xiaoyan; Geng, Jianjun; Dong, Yanjun; Li, Hongquan; Zhang, Liping; Wang, Haidong
• Is Part Of: Journal of dermatological science. Volume 93:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 159
• Page End: 167
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Exosome -- Keratinocyte -- Melanocyte; Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- Periodicals; Dermatologie -- Périodiques; 616.5005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2019.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0923-1811

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Pigmentation is controlled by complex mechanisms. Evidence suggests that miRNAs can regulate pigmentation. However, the mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Objective In this study, we revealed a novel mechanism that regulates pigmentation involving exosomes, miRNAs and the crosstalk between keratinocytes and melanocytes. Methods: The expression and localization of exosome specific marker TSG101 in keratinocytes and melanocytes; Changes of melanin content in melanocytes after co-culture of exosome and melanocytes; Expression changes of target gene TYR and its related genes and inhibitory effect of miR-330-5p on pigmentation were studied by using various molecular biological techniques. Results: In this experiment, we used miR-330-5p in keratinocytes to verify the effect of keratinocyte derived exosome on melanocyte pigmentation. First, we found that keratinocytes secrete exosomes carrying miR-330-5p; moreover, greater miR-330-5p expression was found in exosomes derived from keratinocytes that overexpressed miR-330-5p. Second, we found that exosomes derived from keratinocytes with overexpression of miR-330-5p caused a significant increase in miR-330-5p in melanocytes. Finally, exosomes derived from keratinocytes that overexpressed miR-330-5p induced a significant decrease in the production of melanin and expression of TYR in melanocytes. Meanwhile, we overexpressed miR-330-5p in melanocytes, which also proved the inhibitory effect of miR-330-5p on pigmentation. Conclusion: These findings suggest that keratinocytes crosstalk with melanocytes in the epidermal melanin unit via exosomal miRNAs. These studies reveal an important role of exosomes in melanocyte pigmentation, which opens a new pathway of melanogenesis.