The GTPase-activating protein-related domain of neurofibromin interacts with MC1R and regulates pigmentation-mediated signaling in human melanocytes.

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) which plays a major role in controlling melanogenesis. A large body of evidence indicates that GPCRs are part of large protein complexes that are critical for their signal transduction properties. Among proteins which may affect MC1R signaling, neurofibromin (Nf1), a GTPase activating protein (GAP) for Ras, is of special interest as it regulates adenylyl cyclase activity and ERK signaling, two pathways involved in MC1R signaling.

Purple tulip extract improves signs of skin aging through dermal structural modulation as shown by genomic, protein expression and skin appearance of volunteers studied.

Background: Purple tulip extract is a rich source of flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants and can hence be considered as an ideal candidate for use in skin care products.

Aims: We aimed to evaluate the effects of purple tulip extract on skin quality and to determine its molecular modes of interaction.

Methods: A pangenomic study on human skin fibroblasts was carried out to analyze multiple changes in gene expression.