Elucidation of ultraviolet radiation-induced physiological degradation pathway of eumelanin and pheomelanin and its physiological significance

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26461705
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Dermatology
• Research Institution: Fujita Health University
• Principal Investigator: ITO Shosuke 藤田保健衛生大学, その他部局等, 名誉教授 (70121431)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: メラニン / 紫外線 / ユーメラニン / フェオメラニン / UVA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Melanin is classified into black eumelanin and reddish pheomelanin. Our study aimed at elucidating UVA(and blue light)-induced degradation of both melanins and its physiological significance. Using DHICA-melanin as a model of eumelanin, we showed that it is oxidized by UVA to form a quinone form and further oxidized to form a specific degradation product. We also showed that during these processes, superoxide radical and singlet oxygen are produced. We then showed that upon irradiation of 300-550 nm light, synthetic eumelanin and pheomelanin produce those reactive oxygen species which are rapidly trapped by melanin.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学