Circadian Clock Regulates Epidermal Endocrine System in Homeostatic Skin Pigmentation

Jun 11, 2026Experimental dermatology

The Body’s Internal Clock Controls Skin Hormones That Maintain Normal Skin Color

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Abstract

Silencing the core circadian clock genes BMAL1 and CLOCK significantly reduced melanin synthesis in human melanocytes.

  • Knockdown of BMAL1 or CLOCK altered the expression of hormone-related factors involved in melanogenesis.
  • The vitamin D-metabolizing enzyme CYP27A1 showed a marked decrease in expression following silencing of either gene.
  • Reduced CYP27A1 expression was also observed in melanocytes within vitiligo lesions.
  • Disruption of circadian regulators is associated with impaired melanin production and changes in vitamin D metabolism.
  • These findings highlight a potential link between circadian regulation and pigmentation disorders.

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