Antioxidant enzymes, regulation of gene expression and aging in an in vitro skin model

• Grant number: 21/10207-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2022
• End date: July 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Felipe Santiago Chambergo Alcalde
• Grantee: Felipe Santiago Chambergo Alcalde
• Host Institution: Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades (EACH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Viviane Abreu Nunes Cerqueira Dantas

Abstract

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are a group of molecules that encompass not only oxygen radicals, but also non-radical oxygen derivatives. During life, the skin, the body's main defense barrier, neutralizes ROS produced by intrinsic and extrinsic processes, however, with aging, the generation of ROS increases and the antioxidant defense mechanism decreases. Thus, this imbalance leads to progressive damage to molecules and cellular structures, as well as the degradation of collagen present in the dermis, tissue remodeling and skin aging. This proposal aims to design and evaluate the effect of recombinant chimera protein consisting of cell penetration peptide (PPC)::Trichoderma reesei superoxide dismutase (TrSOD) on human epidermal cells of the HaCaT lineage. The TrSOD enzyme fused to PPC (TAT or Abalone) will be expressed in E coli and characterized by its ability to penetrate the cell interior, antioxidant protection and regulation of the expression of genes involved in the response to oxidative stress, caused by different oxidizing agentes, in HaCaT cells. Cellular protection against ROS and the regulation of the expression of genes involved in the process of response to oxidative stress and in the tissue remodeling process will be evaluated, opening perspectives for its use in the cosmetics industry that is constantly looking for new technologies and more effective actives in anti-oxidant and anti-aging products. Thus, the proposal presents a promising approach for the development of new therapies/treatments and design/production of transdermal biotechnological products, generating patents and relevant academic articles in the area. The proponent is the author of a patent in the project area, which was filed with the INPI and licensed by the University of São Paulo. (AU)