Compositions and methods for modulating skin pigmentation

摘要

The present invention relates to compositions and methods useful in studying or modulating melanin pigmentation in the skin. Particularly, the invention relates to compositions comprising a substance capable of modulating the activity or expression of ALK6 (SEQ ID 2) or Cdc42 which in turn are capable of modulation of the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to keratinocytes and potentially from keratinocytes to keratinocytes. The invention also relates to assays for identifying such compositions, and methods of modulating skin pigmentation.

主权项

1. A method of increasing melanin pigmentation of the skin of a subject, the method comprising topically administering to the subject, a composition substantially comprising BMP6 (SEQ ID NO:1), or a fragment or variant thereof, wherein said variant has at least 70% sequence identity with BMP6 (SEQ ID NO:1) and wherein said composition exhibits the ability to increase melanogenesis or melanin transfer by modulating the activity or expression of ALK6 or Cdc42.