Molecular mechanism of tyrosinase regulation by L-dopa in hamster melanoma cells

Life Sci. 1991;48(21):2075-9. doi: 10.1016/0024-3205(91)90164-7.

Abstract

Exposure of hamster amelanotic melanoma cells to L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) resulted in a time dependent increase of cell pigmentation, tyrosinase concentration and activity with peak after 24 hours. Northern blot analysis showed a small but reproducible increase of tyrosinase mRNA after 3 hours and a decrease below the control level after 9 hours. After 24 and 48 hours tyrosinase mRNA was undetectable. It is suggested that L-DOPA or its oxidation products can stimulate intracellular tyrosinase concentration and regulate tyrosinase mRNA level both in positive and negative fashion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Cricetinae
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / drug effects*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Intracellular Fluid / metabolism
  • Levodopa / pharmacology*
  • Melanins / biosynthesis
  • Melanoma / enzymology*
  • Melanoma / genetics
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase / genetics
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase / metabolism*
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Melanins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Levodopa
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase