ORAI1 Ca2+ Channels Control Endothelin-1-Induced Mitogenesis and Melanogenesis in Primary Human Melanocytes

UV radiation of the skin triggers keratinocytes to secrete endothelin-1 (ET-1) that binds to endothelin receptors on neighboring melanocytes. Melanocytes respond with a prolonged increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which is necessary for proliferation and melanogenesis. A major fraction of the Ca2+ signal is caused by entry through Ca2+-permeable channels of unknown identity in the plasma membrane. ORAI Ca2+ channels are molecular determinants of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels and are expressed in many tissues. Here, we show that ORAI1–3 and their activating partners stromal interaction molecules 1 and 2 (STIM1 and STIM2) are expressed in human melanocytes. Although ORAI1 is the predominant ORAI isoform, STIM2 mRNA expression exceeds STIM1. Inhibition of ORAI1 by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) or downregulation of ORAI1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced Ca2+ entry and CRAC current amplitudes in activated melanocytes. In addition, suppression of ORAI1 caused reduction in the ET-1-induced cellular viability, melanin synthesis, and tyrosinase activity. Our results imply a role for ORAI1 channels in skin pigmentation and their potential involvement in UV-induced stress responses of the human skin.