Age-associated decrease in GDNF and its cognate receptor GFRα-1 protein expression in human skin
Mohamed A Adly1, Hanan A Assaf2, Mahmoud Rezk Abdelwahed Hussein3
1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.
International Journal of Experimental Pathology
|June 28, 2016
Summary
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its receptor (GFRα-1) decrease in human skin epidermis with aging. This age-associated decline in GDNF and GFRα-1 expression may alter signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its receptor GFRα-1 are present in human skin.
- These factors play a role in hair follicle development and cycling in mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-associated changes in GDNF and GFRα-1 protein expression in human skin.
- To determine if epidermal expression of these proteins declines with age.
Main Methods:
- Human skin specimens from children, adults, and the elderly were analyzed.
- Immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR were used to examine GDNF and GFRα-1 expression.
- Expression levels were compared across different age groups.
Main Results:
- GDNF mRNA and protein, along with GFRα-1 protein, were detected in normal human skin.
- Epidermal expression of GDNF and GFRα-1 significantly decreased with age.
- Expression was strongest in children and weakest in the elderly, primarily in the stratum basale.
Conclusions:
- Epidermal expression of GDNF and GFRα-1 declines with normal human skin aging.
- This reduction suggests altered GFRα-1-mediated signaling during the aging process.
- Further research is needed to explore clinical and therapeutic implications.
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