Skin pigmentation disorders are associated with a special role played by sensory neurons. This is the conclusion reached by researchers from the University of Tokyo, who discovered a new therapeutic target for future skin treatments.
Science already knows that skin pigmentation disorders are usually caused by abnormal production of melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes in the skin cells. If melanocytes are damaged or simply become smaller, then the production of melanin is disrupted – it becomes too little or too much. All this leads to the appearance of age spots on the skin. Sometimes they are observed only on the face, and sometimes affect the entire body.
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And now, Japanese scientists have discovered a new therapeutic target for the treatment of pigmentation disorders – sensory neurons in human skin. It has been established that these neurons play an important role not only in pigmentation, but also in the whole physiology. Sensory neurons help us feel with our skin, but these cells do more than that. They secrete a protein called the repulsive control molecule B.
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Study has shown that this protein regulates melanocytes, including their processes of survival and darkening. In medical conditions such as neurocutaneous diseases and melanomas, often associated with pigmentation disorders, chemical and topical treatments are not very effective. The researchers hope that their discovery will lead to the development of new drugs that can be used in conjunction with existing ones for better results. (READ MORE) 
University of Tokyo
Medicine
one of the most famous universities in Japan, famous also for its research laboratories