1247 Enhancing epidermal re-pigmentation during phototherapy in vitiligo

Skin pigmentation disorders pose serious dermatological concerns and bring immense psychological burdens to individuals suffering from them. Vitiligo is one such disorder resistant various conventional treatments. It caused by an autoimmune-mediated destruction of epidermal melanocytes, resulting in focal loss skin pigmentation. The hair follicle bulge holds a stem cell (SC) population directly responsible for pigmentation, the melanocyte cells (MeSCs). MeSCs are unpigmented quiescent SCs that control synthesizing transporting melanin matrix keratinocytes during active growth (anagen) phase cycle. UV-induced migration can be achieved phototherapy trigger re-pigmentation. However, there clinical need enhancing follicular re-pigmentation as process costly requires repeated UV exposure. To unravel possibility treatment, we utilized our vitro models study role BMP signaling function. Here, observed BMP4 decreases both production migratory rate melanocytes. determine functional vivo, into interfollicular epidermis (IFE) using novel mouse model subsequently quantified it with histological staining assay. We found ablation results enhancement managed validate rescuing phenotype. Further, elucidate molecular mechanism, isolated performed whole transcriptome analysis. Currently, corroborate more relevant human physiology, will ablate Vitiligo-like bearing believe innovative strategy guide us towards therapeutic approach like Vitiligo.