Novel Mechanism of UVB-Mediated Pigmentation Through the Axis of ATP-P2X7

    May 2019 in “ ˜The œjournal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology ”
    E. Lee, J. Kim, Young Soo Ahn, B. Lee, Yunkyung Heo, Sung Kwan Hwang, Jangwook Lee, J. Lee, Grace H. Chung, Sung‐Yong Oh
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    TLDR Scientists discovered a new way UVB light increases skin pigmentation through the ATP-P2X7 pathway.
    The study from May 1, 2019, revealed a new mechanism by which UVB radiation induces skin pigmentation, involving the ATP-P2X7 axis. Researchers found that UVB exposure increases extracellular ATP, which then activates melanogenesis-related molecules like CREB, MITF, and tyrosinase, leading to melanin production in primary human epidermal melanocytes. This process is also associated with a rise in intracellular calcium levels and PKC activity. Inhibition of the P2X7 receptor significantly reduced ATP-induced melanogenesis, indicating the pivotal role of the ATP-P2X7 axis in skin pigmentation. This discovery could pave the way for novel methods to alter skin pigmentation.
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