Molecular biology of the target signal for melanogenesis associated genes and vitiligo pathogenesis.

1998 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary

• Project/Area Number: 08407022
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Dermatology
• Research Institution: Sapporo Medical University
• Principal Investigator: JIMBOW Kowichi Sapporo Medical University, Professor, 医学部, 教授 (30094238)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): ONODERA Hideo Sapporo Medical University, Lecturer, 医学部, 講師 (10194614) ; KISHI Hiroyuki Sapporo Medical University, Assistant, 医学部, 助手 (00295354) ; KATO Fumihiko Sapporo Medical University, Assistant, 医学部, 助手 (10295355) ; KONDO Seiji Sapporo Medical University, Assistant Professor, 医学部, 助教授 (30170426) ; SAGA Kenji Sapporo Medical University, Assistant Professor, 医学部, 助教授 (10153925)
• Project Period (FY): 1996 – 1998
• Keywords: melanin / melanocyte / vitiligo / apoptosis / lysosome

Research Abstract

This project has studied the biogenesis of melanosomes and function of melanin pigmentation in man for better understanding of the mechanism of leukoderma (e.g., vitiligo). Specifically we have utilized various molecular biology techniques including cDNA transfection of human tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein (TRP-1). We have characterized (1) correct assembly and folding of tyrosinase-gene family proteins with the help of calnexin, (2) target signals of tyrosinase-gene family proteins from TGN to melanosomes, (3) functional interactionbetween tyrosinase and lysosome-associated membrane protein in melanosome biogenesis, (4) mechanism of abnormal melanin synthesis in vitiligo melanocytes and (5) chemical modification of melanin precursor and development of depigmentation. The obtained results will be useful not only for better understanding of vitiligo pathogenesis but also for development of new selective melanocytotoxic agents