AUTHOR=Cho Yeonju , Choi Suh-Yeon , Choi Hyunjung , Ham Mira , Kim Kyu-Han 

TITLE=Melasolv™: a potential preventive and depigmenting agent for the senescence of melanocytes

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/molecular-biosciences/articles/10.3389/fmolb.2023.1228640

DOI=10.3389/fmolb.2023.1228640

ISSN=2296-889X

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Introduction:</bold> Senescent melanocytes are major contributors to age-related changes in the skin, highlighting the contribution to skin aging. Moreover, prolonged photodamage, such as that caused by UV exposure, can result in melanin accumulation and accelerated melanocyte senescence, thereby exacerbating aging. Melasolv™ is a substance that induces potent depigmentation effects and exhibits low toxicity. The present study aimed to investigate the potential effect of Melasolv™ on senescent melanocytes.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> We profiled the transcriptomics of Melasolv™-treated melanocytes and identified the possible mechanism of action (MOA) and targets using connectivity mapping analysis. We identified differentially expressed genes in response to treatment with Melasolv™ and validated the data using quantitative real-time PCR. Moreover, we performed an <italic>in vitro</italic> β-gal assay in senescent melanocytes for further validation.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Melasolv™ reduced β-gal and melanin levels in senescent melanocytes. Moreover, the identified MOAs are associated with anti-aging and anti-senescence effects.</p><p><bold>Discussion:</bold> Our findings clearly indicate that Melasolv™ not only exhibits anti-senescent properties but can also potentially alleviate melanin accumulation in senescent cells. These findings could have far-reaching implications in the treatment of age-related photodamaged skin conditions, such as senile lentigo and melasma.</p>