Foxn1 and pigmentation

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating skin pigmentation.

1 - 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . A method of modulating skin pigmentation, the method comprising:
 identifying a subject in need of altered skin pigmentation; and   administering to the subject an agent affecting a component of the Foxn1 signal transduction pathway.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the agent is selected from a group consisting of: a botanical extract; an algal extract; a crude plant material; a small molecule; a polynucleotide; a polypeptide; and an antibody. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the component of the Foxn1 signal transduction pathway is Foxn1. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the agent is administered topically. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the agent is administered via a liposome carrier. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the agent is a Foxn1 polypeptide or fragment thereof. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the agent is administered via a liposome carrier. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the agent is selected from a group consisting of: fibroblast growth factor 2, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone, β-melanocyte stimulating hormone, γ-melanocyte stimulating hormone, endothelin 1, endothelin 3, transforming growth factor β1 and nerve growth factor. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the agent is administered via a liposome carrier. 
     
     
         45 . (canceled)