BASF and GENEL highlight the implication of a microRNA in the melanogenesis process
MicroRNAs are a class of non-coding RNA genes whose final product is a small functional RNA molecule that play important roles in targeted-gene regulation and are responsible for transient modulation of specific protein expression.
Thus, microRNAs are key regulators of all biological processes, with biogenesis of microRNA sequences thoroughly investigated and over 2000 microRNAs have been found in humans.
Developments
There has been an increasing demand for this in human and personal care, and this led BASF to team up with GENEL to gain insights into this particular microRNA and its effect on the melanogenesis process.
“In identfying the right microRNA included in the melanogenesis process, you can develop specific products for a particular physiological process such as hyperpigmentation,” says Celine Paillier, Sales and Marketing Manager at GENEL.
“MicroRNAs are a natural molecule produced by ourselves and plants. If we can modulate our own microRNAs through a natural active ingredient, all the process remains natural,” she tells CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com.
The target applications for this venture will be products aimed at reducing acne marks, ageing spots, and dark spots.
Research
In its study on this specific microRNA, BASF BCS succeeded in identifying it as being involved in the melanogenesis process, and confirmed this by validating its ability though work with GENEL.
The study was conducted on Normal Human Adult Melanocytes, and the two companies developed a dedicated test to evaluate microRNA over-expression effects on key proteins involved in the melanogenesis process.
In the study, GENEL and BASF BCS clearly demonstrated that the studied microRNA over-expression modulates key proteins involved in the melanogenesis process.
Furthermore, to properly interpretate these results, GENEL performed a consistent bioinformatic analysis that suggests the studied microRNA might be a remarkable microRNA with low functional redundancy.
