Tyrosinase inhibitors with potent anti-senescence activity in human neonatal keratinocyte progenitors

Background: Sirtuins exhibit pleiotropic effects on premature aging, cellular senescence, longevity, and a wide range of aging disorders.Aim: We assessed effects of decapeptide-12, a known tyrosinase inhibitor, on sirtuin gene expression levels in human neonatal keratinocyte progenitors.Methods: We quantitated effects of decapeptide-12 on 7 sirtuin genes using RT-PCR and its effects on cellular viability and proliferation after 72-h incubation with various concentrations of decapeptide-12 and oxyresveratrol.Results: 100 µM decapeptide-12 increased transcription of SIRT1 by 141 ± 11% relative to control cells, whereas levels of SIRT3, SIRT6, and SIRT7 were increased by 121 ± 13%, 147 ± 8% and 95 ± 14%, respectively.Conclusion: Decapeptide-12 upregulated sirtuin transcription to similar levels as oxyresveratrol but with reduced cytotoxicity.