Original Paper

Molecular Basis for the Regenerative Properties of a Secretion of the Mollusk Cryptomphalus aspersa
A. Brieva^a, N. Philips^c, R. Tejedor^b, A. Guerrero^a, J.P. Pivel^a, J.L. Alonso-Lebrero^a, S. Gonzalez<sup>d

a</sup>R&D Department, IFC SA, and
^bHospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autonoma, Madrid, Spain;
^cDepartment of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, N.J., and
^dDermatology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, N.Y., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2008;21:15-22 (DOI: 10.1159/000109084)

  Key Words

• Cryptomphalus aspersa
• C. aspersa, cellular and molecular effects
• Extracellular matrix assembly
• Mollusk
• SCA, regenerative properties
• Skin aging

  Abstract

A screen for natural products bearing pharmacological properties has yielded a secretion of the mollusk Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA), which possesses skin-regenerative properties. In this report, we outline some of the cellular and molecular effects underlying this observation. First, we found that SCA contained antioxidant SOD and GST activities. In addition, SCA stimulated fibroblast proliferation and rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Additional mechanisms involved in the regenerative effect of SCA included the stimulation of extracellular matrix assembly and the regulation of metalloproteinase activities. Together, these effects provide an array of molecular mechanisms underlying SCA-induced cellular regeneration and postulate its use in regeneration of wounded tissue.

Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

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  Author Contacts

Salvador Gonzalez
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
160 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022 (USA)
Tel. +1 212 610 0185, Fax +1 212 308 0530
E-Mail gonzals6@mskcc.org

  Article Information

Received: March 9, 2007
Accepted after revision: June 30, 2007
Published online: October 2, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 8
Number of Figures : 6, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 25

  Publication Details

Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (Journal of Pharmacological and Biophysical Research)

Vol. 21, No. 1, Year 2008 (Cover Date: January 2008)

Journal Editor: Lademann, J. (Berlin)
ISSN: 1660–5527 (print), 1660–5535 (Online)

For additional information: http://www.karger.com/SPP

  Drug Dosage / Copyright

Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in goverment regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher or, in the case of photocopying, direct payment of a specified fee to the Copyright Clearance Center.