Scientists have identified a key protein in the mechanism of skin aging. It would keep it young, by helping the strong cells of the epidermis to drive out the weaker ones.
Have scientists found the Fountain of Youth, a symbol of perpetual rejuvenation? They are still far from it. But day by day they reveal the mechanisms of skin aging, allowing the development of increasingly effective treatments and cosmetics. In a study, published in the review Nature this Wednesday April 3 and relayed byAFP, professors Ganna Bilousova and James DeGregori of the University of Colorado (United States) describe the potential of a protein, the “COL17A1. It would play a key role in the maturation of the epidermis.
Researchers from the Tokyo University of Medicine (Japan) have in fact discovered that this molecule encourages a phenomenon, called cell competition. It is a process of allowing stronger cells to gain the upper hand over weaker ones. However, with age, UV rays and attacks on the skin, the protein is depleted in the body. Weaker cells take precedence. The skin becomes thinner, more fragile, and takes longer to heal.
Prevent depletion of COL17A1
The scientists carried out their experiments on the tails of mice, because they share characteristics with the human epidermis. Once the importance of COL17A1 was revealed, they looked for a way to stimulate it. The goal? Prevent its exhaustion, and therefore, in theory, slow down the degradation of the skin. They finally managed to identify two chemical compounds, Y27632 and apocynin, which made it possible to induce again the expression of the protein. And thus, to successfully improve the ability of skin stem cells to regenerate themselves.
“The two chemicals improve wound healing in the skin of the tail of mice, providing a proof-of-concept of the therapeutic potential of this new class of drugs “, note the researchers in their study. Until then, the mechanism of cell competition had mainly been studied in flies. “Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of cell competition in other tissues, and to identify compounds capable of reversing aging in other organs”, they conclude.
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