Cytoprotective role of S14G-humanin (HNG) in ultraviolet-B induced epidermal stem cells injury

In this study, we isolated mouse epidermal stem cells and investigated the cytoprotective effects of HNG on ESCs upon ultraviolet (UV)-B treatment. We show that HNG suppresses UV-B-induced ROS production and increases antioxidant glutathione expression. HNG-pretreated cells exhibit very mild production of cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, upon exposure to UV-B. HNG pretreatment is protective against UV-B-mediated cytotoxicity and promotes ESC survival. Moreover, HNG treatment attenuates the UV-B-induced reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and preserves their identity and stem cell capacity. Mechanistically, HNG treatment ameliorates the UV-B-induced reduction in Wnt/β-catenin pathway proteins, including Wtn3a, Myc, and cyclin D1. Collectively, our data suggest that HNG acts as a pro-survival and anti-oxidative stress agent in ESCs and has the potential to be used in ESC-mediated therapies.
Source: Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research