Transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 circumvents oxidative stress in primary human melanocytes.

Background: Transient Receptor Potential Mucolipin 1 (TRPML1) serves as a pivotal reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensor in cells, which is implicated in the regulation of autophagy. However, its function in melanocyte autophagy under oxidative stress remains elusive. Methods: The expression and ion channel function of TRPML1 were investigated using immunofluorescence and calcium imaging in primary human melanocytes (MCs). After activating TRPML1 with MLSA1 (TRPML1 agonist), autophagy‐related molecules were investigated via western blot. ROS level, apoptosis‐ and autophagy‐related molecules were investigated after pretreatment with MLSA1. After interference with TRPML1 expression, mitochondrial structures were visualized by electron microscopy with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2）treatment. Results: TRPML1 was expressed and functionally active in primary human MCs, and its activation promotes elevated expression of LC3‐II and reduced apoptosis and ROS levels under oxidative stress. TRPML1 downregulation caused mitochondrial swelling and disruption of cristae structures under oxidative stress in primary human MCs. Conclusions: TRPML1 might mediate lysosomal autophagy in primary human MCs under oxidative stress, participating in mechanisms that maintain the oxidative and antioxidant systems in balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]