SKIN RESCUE - One World, One Health: investigating the link between signal transduction in skin cells and exposure to particulate matter and thermal stress

• Grant number: 24/22874-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biology
• Principal Investigator: Alessandra Valéria de Sousa Faria
• Grantee: Alessandra Valéria de Sousa Faria
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Sheila Siqueira Andrade

Abstract

The skin, as the largest organ of the human body, performs essential functions, including protection, regulation, and sensory perception. Composed of keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts, skin integrity is maintained by complex cellular interactions and signaling pathways that are vulnerable to environmental factors such as air pollution and thermal stress. This research project aims to evaluate the impact of particulate matter (PM) and thermal stress on these cellular signaling pathways to better understand how these pollutants and environmental conditions affect cellular structure and function. Previous studies have shown that PM exposure can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, negatively impacting the skin's regenerative capacity. Additionally, PM exposure has direct implications for melanocyte function, potentially contributing to pigmentary disorders. The study will be conducted in three phases: i) in vitro assays using keratinocyte cultures exposed to varying PM concentrations and thermal stress; ii) collection of the secretome from keratinocytes exposed to PM and thermal stress, which will be incubated in co-culture with melanocyte and fibroblast spheroids; and iii) in vitro assays with melanocyte cultures exposed to different PM concentrations and thermal stress to evaluate melanin synthesis. Analyses will include evaluating relevant signaling pathways, particularly those associated with cytoskeletal reorganization, as well as functional assays for collagen synthesis in fibroblasts and melanin synthesis in melanocytes. The expected outcomes of this project will provide a clearer understanding of the mechanisms by which PM and thermal stress affect skin health, potentially informing the development of therapeutic strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental pollution on dermatology and promote healthy aging. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 and SDG 13), this research may also contribute to understanding molecular mechanisms that could be targeted by therapeutic strategies aimed at protecting the skin against airborne pollutants, particularly for vulnerable populations. (AU)