Age-Associated Decrease in GDNF and Its Cognate Receptor GFRα-1 Protein Expression in Human Skin
June 2016
in “
International journal of experimental pathology
”
TLDR Human skin has less GDNF and its receptor with age.
The study investigated the age-related decline in Glial cell line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) and its receptor GFRα-1 in human skin, analyzing samples from 30 individuals across different age groups. Results showed a significant decrease in GDNF and GFRα-1 protein levels in the epidermis with aging, while their expression in the dermis remained strong. This decline was particularly notable in the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, and stratum granulare, with GFRα-1 being completely absent in the epidermis of elderly subjects. The findings suggested that diminished GDNF signaling might contribute to age-associated skin changes and hair follicle degeneration, highlighting the potential of GDNF and GFRα-1 as markers for aging and their possible roles in skin wound healing.
