Effect of Dickkopf1 on the senescence of melanocytes: in vitro study

Fibroblasts secrete several growth factors which are important for the regulation of skin pigmentation. Dickkopf1 (DKK1) is also secreted by fibroblasts which inhibit the growth and function of melanocytes. Therefore, the study was designed to check the role of DKK1 in vitiligo pathogenesis. This study confirmed the higher expression of DKK1 in lesional skin of vitiligo patients. In vitro effect of DKK1 on cultured melanocytes revealed decrease in the melanocytes proliferation and pigmentation. In vitro effect of DKK1 was then checked on the melanocytes senescence and found that DKK1 induced senescence in the treated melanocytes. Expression of senescence markers was significantly higher in DKK1 treated melanocytes. This study suggests that higher expression of DKK1 in the dermis induced senescence in melanocytes that may lead to hypopigmentation and play role in vitiligo pathogenesis.