Rationale: SOX10 (SRY-related HMG-box 10) and MITF-M (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor M) restrict the expression of melanogenic genes, such as TYR (tyrosinase), in melanocytes. DACE (diacetylcaffeic acid cyclohexyl ester) inhibits melanin production in α-MSH (α-melanocyte stimulating hormone)-activated B16-F0 melanoma cells. In this study, we evaluated the antimelanogenic activity of DACE in vivo and elucidated the molecular basis of its action. Methods: We employed melanocyte cultures and hyperpigmented skin samples for pigmentation assays, and applied chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, RT-PCR or siRNA-based knockdown for mechanistic analyses. Results: Topical treatment with DACE mitigated UV-B-induced hyperpigmentation in the skin with attenuated expression of MITF-M and TYR. DACE also inhibited melanin production in α-MSH- or ET-1 (endothelin 1)-activated melanocyte cultures. As a mechanism, DACE blocked the nuclear import of CRTC1 (CREB-regulated co-activator 1) in melanocytes. DACE resultantly inhibited SOX10 induction, and suppressed the transcriptional abilities of CREB/CRTC1 heterodimer and SOX10 at MITF-M promoter, thereby ameliorating facultative melanogenesis. Furthermore, this study unveiled new issues in melanocyte biology that i) KPNA1 (Impα5) escorted CRTC1 as a cargo across the nuclear envelope, ii) SOX10 was inducible in the melanogenic process, and iii) CRTC1 could direct SOX10 induction at the transcription level. Conclusion: We propose the targeting of CRTC1 as a unique strategy in the treatment of acquired pigmentary disorders.
Keywords: CRTC1; MITF-M; SOX10; diacetylcaffeic acid cyclohexyl ester; facultative melanogenesis.