Melanin Distribution in Human Skin: Influence of Cytoskeletal,Polarity, and Centrosome-Related Machinery of Stratum basale Keratinocytes |
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Authors: | Irene Castellano-Pellicena,Ciaran G. Morrison,Mike Bell,Clare O’ Connor,Desmond J. Tobin |
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Affiliation: | 1.The Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland;2.Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland;3.Walgreens Boots Alliance, Nottingham NG90 1BS, UK; (M.B.); (C.O.);4.The Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland |
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Abstract: | Melanin granules cluster within supra-nuclear caps in basal keratinocytes (KCs) of the human epidermis, where they protect KC genomic DNA against ultraviolet radiation (UVR) damage. While much is known about melanogenesis in melanocytes (MCs) and a moderate amount about melanin transfer from MC to KC, we know little about the fate of melanin once inside KCs. We recently reported that melanin fate in progenitor KCs is regulated by rare asymmetric organelle movement during mitosis. Here, we explore the role of actin, microtubules, and centrosome-associated machinery in distributing melanin within KCs. Short-term cultures of human skin explants were treated with cytochalasin-B and nocodazole to target actin filaments and microtubules, respectively. Treatment effects on melanin distribution were assessed by the Warthin–Starry stain, on centrosome-associated proteins by immunofluorescence microscopy, and on co-localisation with melanin granules by brightfield microscopy. Cytochalasin-B treatment disassembled supra-nuclear melanin caps, while nocodazole treatment moved melanin from the apical to basal KC domain. Centrosome and centriolar satellite-associated proteins showed a high degree of co-localisation with melanin. Thus, once melanin granules are transferred to KCs, their preferred apical distribution appears to be facilitated by coordinated movement of centrosomes and centriolar satellites. This mechanism may control melanin’s strategic position within UVR-exposed KCs. |
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Keywords: | melanin distribution epidermis Stratum basale keratinocytes ex vivo human skin skin phototype centrosome microtubules centriolar satellites actin |
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