Abstract: Recent reports detail the pleiotropic roles sirtuins play in repressing premature aging, delaying cellular senescence, enhancing longevity, and ameliorating a wide range of aging disorders. Herein, we report our findings on the potent sirtuin activator, decapeptide-12, and compare its performance to the well documented oxyresveratrol. Treatment of human epidermal keratinocyte progenitors with 100 ?M decapeptide-12 increased transcription of SIRT1 by 141±11 percent relative to control cells, whereas levels of SIRT3, SIRT6, and SIRT7 were increased by 121±13 percent, 147±8 percent and 95.4±14 percent, respectively. Decapeptide-12 upregulated sirtuin transcription to similar levels as oxyresveratrol but with reduced cytotoxicity.

Abstract: Peptides that increase melanin synthesis are provided. These peptides include pentapeptides YSSWY (SEQ ID NO: 1), YRSRK (SEQ ID NO: 2), and their variants. The peptides may activate the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase to increase melanin synthesis. The pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other compositions including the peptides are also provided. The methods of increasing melanin production in epidermis of a subject are provided where the methods include administering compositions comprising an amount of one or more peptides effective to increase the melanin production. The methods also include treating vitiligo or other hypopigmentation disorders with compositions including one or more peptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides that inhibit the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase, as well as formulations and methods for their use in the reduction of skin pigmentation, and methods of administering the inhibitory pep tides in a topical formulation. Preferred octapeptide sequences are internally rich in tryptophan and/or tyrosine or arginine. The present invention is further directed to kits and compositions containing the present peptides, and methods of treatment of conditions involving expression of tyrosinase, in which the present peptides are administered topically for the treatment of conditions involving melanocyte activity in the skin.

Abstract: Peptides that increase melanin synthesis are provided. These peptides include pentapeptides YSSWY, YRSRK, and their variants. The peptides may activate the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase to increase melanin synthesis. The pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other compositions including the peptides are also provided. The methods of increasing melanin production in epidermis of a subject are provided where the methods include administering compositions comprising an amount of one or more peptides effective to increase the melanin production. The methods also include treating vitiligo or other hypopigmentation disorders with compositions including one or more peptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides that inhibit the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase, as well as formulations and methods for their use in the reduction of skin pigmentation, and methods of administering the inhibitory peptides in a topical formulation. Preferred octapeptide sequences are internally rich in tryptophan and/or tyrosine or arginine. The present invention is further directed to kits and compositions containing the present peptides, and methods of treatment of conditions involving expression of tyrosinase, in which the present peptides are administered topically for the treatment of conditions involving melanocyte activity in the skin.