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Published on: December 17, 2017
Simulated Microgravity Suppresses Proline Biosynthesis in Skin Fibroblasts to Impair Skin Structure
Wenbin Wang1,2, Xiufen Peng1,2, Qing Luo1,2
1College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Simulated microgravity impairs skin collagen production by reducing proline synthesis, linked to decreased PYCR1 gene expression. Restoring PYCR1 levels partially recovers collagen synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Space biology
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Microgravity impacts skin structure and function.
- Collagen synthesis in fibroblasts depends on proline.
- Mechanisms of microgravity-induced skin changes are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate if simulated microgravity affects collagen synthesis.
- Examine the role of the proline biosynthetic pathway in microgravity.
- Determine the involvement of pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1).
Main Methods:
- Used hindlimb unloading in rats and a rotating flat chamber system for skin fibroblasts.
- Assessed dermal morphology, collagen deposition, and fibroblast collagen synthesis.
- Measured intracellular proline levels and PYCR1 gene expression.
Main Results:
- Simulated microgravity led to dermal thinning and reduced collagen in rats and fibroblasts.
- Proline levels decreased, and PYCR1 gene expression was downregulated.
- Overexpressing PYCR1 partially restored proline and collagen levels.
Conclusions:
- Impaired proline biosynthesis due to PYCR1 downregulation contributes to reduced collagen production.
- This pathway may underlie microgravity-induced dermal alterations.
- PYCR1 is a potential target for mitigating spaceflight-induced skin damage.
