UNAIR FACULTY OF MEDICINE STUDENTS HELPED INVESTIGATE THE MOLECULAR LINK BETWEEN DIABETES AND SKIN PIGMENTATION AT INSTITUTE OF MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

Three UNAIR students researched diabetic skin pigmentation at Mahidol University, proving that methylglyoxal triggers melanogenesis by activating the p-CREB protein.

Unlocking the molecular mysteries of the human body requires not only profound theoretical knowledge but also rigorous, hands-on laboratory experience. From September 8 to 25 September, 2026, students from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Yokanan Apta Nayottama,  Kalea Dehan Majeeda, and Safrida Nurul Falah Kinanti, embarked on an intensive research journey at the prestigious Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University. Under the expert supervision of Professor Ekkhapot Khongkla, the team delved deep into cellular biology to investigate the underlying mechanisms of diabetes-induced skin pigmentation.The collaborative research, titled "Effect of Methylglyoxal on Melanogenesis," addresses a common yet poorly understood cutaneous manifestation associated with diabetes known as diabetic dermopathy. Patients with diabetes frequently develop hyperpigmented skin lesions across their bodies, but the exact cellular and molecular pathways driving this phenomenon have historically remained elusive to medical researchers.

The research methodology was rigorous, involving multi-step molecular analyses on cultured mouse melanocytes (B16F10 cells). The students sought to observe the activation of p-CREB, a critical signaling molecule that regulates the MITF pathway and overall melanogenesis, under the influence of MGX. The team's daily laboratory activities required high precision, starting with protein isolation using the RIPA lysis buffer, followed by protein quantification using the BCA Assay. They utilized colorimetric copper reactions and measured absolute optical density against Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) standards to accurately determine protein concentrations in their samples.

Following sample preparation, the team executed complex procedures like SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. This involved casting 12% resolving and 4% stacking gels, transferring proteins to PVDF membranes, and meticulously performing specific primary and secondary antibody incubations. Through Western Blot analysis, the team successfully demonstrated the activation of p-CREB by MGX, observing that the protein activation peaked at 1.5 hours post-exposure.

To further validate these molecular findings, the students performed immunocytochemistry. The fixed cells were blocked, incubated with targeted antibodies, mounted, and then analyzed using advanced Zeiss confocal microscopes. Using DAPI to locate the cell nucleus, the resulting confocal images beautifully confirmed the nuclear translocation of CREB under MGX exposure. Ultimately, based on both the Western blot and immunocytochemistry data, the team conclusively determined that methylglyoxal induces melanogenesis by activating p-CREB in mouse melanocytes.

This international academic endeavor highlights the crucial role of cross-border institutional partnerships in advancing global scientific understanding. For the UNAIR students, the experience beautifully bridged the gap between textbook theory and practical, cutting-edge laboratory research. By uncovering the molecular links between metabolic disorders and cellular responses, their dedicated work contributes valuable insights into the management and understanding of diabetic complications. This research visit strongly reflects Universitas Airlangga's commitment to global educational standards and scientific discovery. By empowering students to conduct meaningful research on international platforms, the institution ensures its graduates are well-equipped to tackle complex global health challenges in the future.

This news supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

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