Ann Dermatol.  2012 Feb;24(1):90-93. 10.5021/ad.2012.24.1.90.

A Simple Assay Method for Melanosome Transfer

• Choi HR
• Park SH
• Choi JW
• Kim DS
• Park KC

• KMID: 2156865
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2012.24.1.90

Abstract

Pigmentation is induced by production of melanin in specialized organelles termed melanosomes and by transfer of these organelles from melanocytes to surrounding keratinocytes. The chemical basis of melanogenesis is relatively well known but the mechanism of melanosome transfer is not well studied. Various pigmentary disorders and cosmetic applications require the use of depigmenting agents. Currently available topical agents used for the reduction of pigmentation mainly include tyrosinase inhibitors and/or melanocyte-cytotoxic agents. Recently, several agents have been introduced to inhibit melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. However, an experimental model for melanosome transfer is not well established. In this study, a simple assay method using flow cytometry is described.

Keyword

Flow cytometry; Melanosome; Pigmentation; Transfer

MeSH Terms

Cosmetics
Flow Cytometry
Keratinocytes
Melanins
Melanocytes
Melanosomes
Models, Theoretical
Monophenol Monooxygenase
Organelles
Pigmentation
Cosmetics
Melanins
Monophenol Monooxygenase

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Flow cytometric analysis of cultured keratinocytes and melanocytes. After harvesting the cells, both cells were stained with anti-keratin 14 and anti-tyrosinase antibodies, respectively.

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  Fig. 2 Flowcytometric analysis at 3 hr (A), 6 hr (B), and 24 hr (C) incubation. Keratinocytes and melanocytes were co-cultured simultaneously. After gating the cells which show high anti-keratin 14, the histogram was analyzed by side scatter.

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