The osmolyte strategy of ageing skin
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: School of Biological Sciences
Abstract
Skin provides a barrier between the entire body and the outside world that prevents uncontrolled water loss. Without skin, life as a terrestrial organism would be impossible because water would continually leave the skin to the outside environment. Although the structural components within skin regulating water loss are well characterised, the cellular mechanisms regulating water homeostasis within epidermal skin cells - keratinocytes - have yet to be fully explored.
One mechanism by which skin cells control their homeostasis is the transport of organic osmolytes into the cytoplasm in response to water stress. Osmolytes also have other functions besides preservation of water including stabilisation of protein structure and antioxidant effects which are all fundamental to overall cellular health.
Dehydration of the skin is common in ageing, leading to xerosis and inflammation. Our hypothesis is that during the process of ageing, the skin loses the ability to either synthesise or transport osmolytes. This may also be true for other less accessible organs as the ability to regulate cell water content is fundamental to all organ systems. In this project, we will characterise the expression and distribution of osmolyte transporters in aged versus young human skin and investigate the effects of specific osmolytes on cell volume control, redox balance and protein stability within keratinocytes cultured from aged and young individuals. This project may shed light on some of the mechanisms underlying one aspect of ageing, i.e. loss of hydration.
Reference: El Chami et al (2011) Experimental Dermatology 23(8) 534-7
One mechanism by which skin cells control their homeostasis is the transport of organic osmolytes into the cytoplasm in response to water stress. Osmolytes also have other functions besides preservation of water including stabilisation of protein structure and antioxidant effects which are all fundamental to overall cellular health.
Dehydration of the skin is common in ageing, leading to xerosis and inflammation. Our hypothesis is that during the process of ageing, the skin loses the ability to either synthesise or transport osmolytes. This may also be true for other less accessible organs as the ability to regulate cell water content is fundamental to all organ systems. In this project, we will characterise the expression and distribution of osmolyte transporters in aged versus young human skin and investigate the effects of specific osmolytes on cell volume control, redox balance and protein stability within keratinocytes cultured from aged and young individuals. This project may shed light on some of the mechanisms underlying one aspect of ageing, i.e. loss of hydration.
Reference: El Chami et al (2011) Experimental Dermatology 23(8) 534-7
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011208/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1791834 | Studentship | BB/M011208/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/03/2021 |
| Description | As we age our skin becomes more fragile and dehydrated compared to younger skin. With this we investigated changes in hydration control mechanisms in the skin comparing young and aged skin. We have found that with age we loose expression of key transporters of organic molecules called osmolytes. These osmolytes regulate cell volume by being transported into and out of cells to counteract the effect of different stressors. In particular, we found that the osmolyte tranporter TAUT, which transports taurine, is lost with intrinsic and extrinsic ageing and when added to a cell culture model can improve cell volume regulation of aged cells. |
| Exploitation Route | These findings mean that going forward organic osmolytes should be considered as important molecules to incorporate into anti-ageing products to restore dehydrated skin. Academically, these findings open up further questions for roles of organic osmolytes in the human system, such as, do they regulate hydration in other tissues, can they impact cell recovery from trauma, etc. |
| Sectors | Healthcare |
| Description | Dermatology and Musculoskeletal MOSI day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This event was held at the Museum of science and industry to teach people about the work we do in Dermatology and Musculoskeletal research at the University. Our main activities were looking at finger tip patterns (genetics), looking at corneocytes under the microscope, making keyrings with UV beads and taking pictures of people in the visia (skin ageing images). We will also had the skin model, info on hair and a video playing on what it is like living with Psoriasis available for people to learn more. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Science and Industry Museum Late: arts and health |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This was an adult only event with a social atmosphere running hands on activities, TED-style talks and demos. We ran two activities: UV beads keyrings to teach the importance of using sun protection onthe skin and DNA bead bracelets to teach about genetic involvement of certain diseases. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/what-was-on/culture-cure-late |
| Description | Science spectacular event at the Manchester Museum |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | We had several mini activities to teach people about the skin physiology and the importance of sun protection. This included the use of a Visia machine to look at visible signs of skin ageing and making UV bracelets that detect sunlight. We also had microscopes and models available for people to look at the skin and hair structure to understand more of the physiology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |