Targeting steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA), a long non-coding RNA, enhances melanogenesis through activation of TRP1 and inhibition of p38 phosphorylation.

ABSTRACT: Abnormal skin melanin homeostasis results in refractory pigmentary diseases. Melanogenesis is influenced by gene regulation, ultraviolet radiation, and host epigenetic responses. Steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA), a long noncoding RNA, is known to regulate steroidogenesis and tumorigenesis. However, how SRA contributes to melanogenesis remains unknown. Using RNA interference against SRA in B16 and A375 melanoma cells, we observed increased pigmentation and increased expression of TRP1 and TRP2 at transcriptional and translational levels only in B16 cells. The constitutive phosphorylation of p38 in B16-shCtrl cells was inhibited in cells with knocked down SRAi. Moreover, the melanin content of control B16 cells was increased by SB202190, a p38 inhibitor. Furthermore, reduced p38 phosphor

SUBMITTER: Ho JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7425936 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature