Human skin cell proliferation activity of Usnamines from Antarctic lichen Stereocaulon alpinum

Abstract

Type I procollagen (PIP) is the major structural protein in dermis and is regarded a critical factor to monitor skin cell proliferation and aging. Recently, novel compounds, Usnamines, have been found in Antarctic lichen Stereocaulon alpinum. Usnamine-C induced cell proliferation of human dermal fibroblast, CCD-986SK, up to 170% after treating with 90 ppm for 24 h. Usnamine-A and &#8211

B activated cell proliferation by ~130% at the same concentration and treating time. PIP synthesis in the cells by Usnamine-C was significantly increased in time- and concentration- dependent manners. Usnamine-A and &#8211

B induced PIP synthesis at 30 min post treatment, but the induction was not further exhibited after 30 min. Usnamines are usinic acid derivatives. Considering that the difference among the derivatives is R group, the proliferation activity may come from this side chain group, triggering internal signal for PIP expression. Further study is still remained to clarify the signaling mechanism for the PIP induction, as well as which receptor is activated by this novel compounds. Supported by KOPRI grant (PE09050).