Patterning skin pigmentation via dickkopf

J Invest Dermatol. 2007 May;127(5):994-5. doi: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700636.

Abstract

One of the striking regional variations in skin is its pigmentation. Yamaguchi et al. further dissect the mechanism of regional pigmentation by assessing the effects of dickkopf 1 (DKK1), an antagonist of the Wnt pathway produced in lightly pigmented skin, on melanocyte gene expression. The results provide a plethora of candidate genes that may mediate DKK1's inhibitory effects on melanocyte function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / genetics
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / physiology
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / physiology*
  • Melanocytes / physiology
  • Skin Pigmentation / physiology*
  • Wnt Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • beta Catenin / genetics
  • beta Catenin / physiology

Substances

  • DKK1 protein, human
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3