Berberine regulates melanin synthesis by activating PI3K/AKT, ERK and GSK3β in B16F10 melanoma cells

• Published in: International journal of molecular medicine Vol. 35; no. 4; pp. 1011 - 1016
• Main Authors: SONG, YOUNG CHAN, LEE, YONGHEE, KIM, HYEONG MI, HYUN, MOO YEOL, LIM, YUN YOUNG, SONG, KYE YONG, KIM, BEOM JOON
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Greece D.A. Spandidos 01.04.2015; Spandidos Publications; Spandidos Publications UK Ltd
• Subjects: Analysis; Animals; B16F10 melanoma cells; Berberine - pharmacology; Care and treatment; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival - drug effects; Enzyme Activation - drug effects; extracellular signal-regulated kinases; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases - metabolism; Genetic aspects; Glucose metabolism; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 - metabolism; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta; glycogen synthase kinase 3β; Immunoglobulins; Intermedin; melanin synthesis; Melanins - biosynthesis; Melanoma; Melanoma, Experimental - metabolism; microphthalmia-associated transcription factor; Monophenol Monooxygenase - metabolism; Penicillin; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases - metabolism; Phosphorylation; phosphotidyl inositol 3-kinase/AKT; Proteins; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt - metabolism; Signal Transduction - drug effects; Skin cancer; Studies; tyrosinase; United States > US
• ISSN: 1107-3756; 1791-244X
• DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2113

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has a wide range of beneficial properties, including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Recently findings suggest that berberine improves glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. In the present study, we examined the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of berberine on α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells. The results showed that berberine attenuated α-MSH induction of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase in a dose-dependent manner. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of berberine, we examined the effect of α-MSH-stimulated phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT, ERK, and GSK3β. The results showed that treatment with berberine resulted in a reduction in the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT, ERK, and GSK3β. Taken together, the results suggested that berberine inhibits melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity by downregulating the expression of MITF and tyrosinase. Thus, these findings may contribute to the potential application of berberine in the prevention and treatment of skin pigmentation disorders.