Morin Induces Melanogenesis via Activation of MAPK Signaling Pathways in B16F10 Mouse Melanoma Cells

Morin is a well-known flavonoid, and has been reported to have various properties, such as anti-cell death, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Although studies on the biochemical and biological actions of morin have been reported, the melanin biosynthesis effects and molecular mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we first found that morin has the effect of enhancing melanin biosynthesis in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells, and analyzed the molecular mechanism. In this study, we examined the effects of morin on the melanin contents and tyrosinase activity, as well as the protein expression levels of the melanogenic enzymes TRP-1, TRP-2, and microphtalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. Morin showed no cytotoxicity in the concentration range of 5–100 μM, and significantly increased the intracellular tyrosinase activity and melanin contents. In mechanism analysis, morin increased the protein expression of TRP-1, TRP-2, and MITF associated with melanogenesis. Furthermore, morin increased phosphorylated ERK and p38 at the early time, and decreased phosphorylated ERK after 12 h. The results suggest that morin enhances melanin synthesis through the MAPK signaling pathways in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells.