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Updated: Mar 3, 2026
Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation
Published on: August 19, 2025
PKCι is a target of 7,8,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone for the suppression of UVB-induced MMP-1 expression
Tae-Gyu Lim1,2,3,4, Yoon-A Kim1,3, Jong-Eun Kim5
1WCU Biomodulation Major, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
The soy isoflavone daidzein is bioconverted to 7,8,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone (7,8,4'-THIF) by microorganisms. Here, we investigated the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 inhibitory properties of 7,8,4'-THIF that arise through the suppression of UVB-induced MMP-1 expression. 7,8,4'-THIF reduced UVB-induced MMP-1 expression at the transcriptional level in primary human dermal fibroblasts and inhibited UVB-induced transcriptional activity of AP-1, a major activator of MMP-1 expression. Additionally, it was observed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, a crucial signalling cascade for MMP-1 expression, was suppressed by 7,8,4'-THIF. Protein kinase C iota (PKCι) was suspected to be a direct target of 7,8,4'-THIF. The direct interaction between 7,8,4'-THIF and PKCι was confirmed using pull-down assays and immobilized metal ion affinity-based fluorescence polarization assays. Finally, we observed that 7,8,4'-THIF inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 expression in a human skin equivalent model. Taken together, these results suggest that 7,8,4'-THIF, a bioconversion product of daidzein, suppresses UVB-induced MMP-1 expression.
Insights
7,8,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone (7,8,4'-THIF), derived from soy isoflavone daidzein, effectively inhibits UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression by targeting key signaling pathways in skin cells.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Soy isoflavones, like daidzein, undergo microbial bioconversion to bioactive compounds.
- Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) plays a significant role in skin aging and photodamage.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind MMP-1 regulation is crucial for developing photoprotective strategies.
Discussion:
- 7,8,4'-trihydroxyisoflavone (7,8,4 zez-THIF) demonstrates potent inhibition of UVB-induced MMP-1 expression.
- This inhibition occurs at the transcriptional level, impacting AP-1 activation and MAPK signaling.
- Protein kinase C iota (PKCι) is identified as a direct molecular target of 7,8,4 zez-THIF.
Key Insights:
- 7,8,4 zez-THIF suppresses UVB-induced MMP-1 expression in human dermal fibroblasts.
- The compound modulates the AP-1 and MAPK signaling pathways, crucial for MMP-1 gene activation.
- Direct interaction between 7,8,4 zez-THIF and PKCι was experimentally confirmed.
Outlook:
- 7,8,4 zez-THIF shows promise as a therapeutic agent for mitigating UVB-induced skin damage.
- Further research could explore its efficacy in vivo and its potential applications in cosmetic and dermatological formulations.
- Investigating downstream effects of PKCι inhibition by 7,8,4 zez-THIF may reveal additional therapeutic benefits.
