NF-κB signaling in skin aging

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Aging

Background:

• Skin aging is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, creating a microenvironment that promotes cancer via the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).
• The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is implicated in both skin aging and cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of NF-κB signaling in skin aging.
• To highlight common Rel proteins, their activation pathways, and the impact of UV radiation on skin aging.
• To summarize antioxidants targeting NF-κB and its role in SASP.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on NF-κB signaling, skin aging, UV radiation effects, and antioxidants.
• Analysis of canonical and non-canonical NF-κB activation pathways.
• Examination of the relationship between NF-κB, SASP, and cancer cell phenotypes.

Main Results:

• UV radiation induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), activating NF-κB and MAPK pathways, leading to increased TNF-α and MMPs, thus accelerating skin aging.
• NF-κB is crucial for SASP induction; ATM and ATR block GATA4 degradation, promoting NF-κB activation and SASP.
• Both natural and synthetic antioxidants targeting NF-κB signaling are discussed.

Conclusions:

• NF-κB signaling is a key mediator of skin aging and promotes a pro-cancerous microenvironment through SASP.
• Targeting NF-κB offers potential therapeutic avenues for mitigating skin aging and associated cancer risks.
• Further research into NF-κB inhibitors and antioxidants is warranted for dermatological applications.