Molecular Basis for the Regenerative Properties of a Secretion of the Mollusk <i>Cryptomphalus aspersa</i>

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.

An Extract from the Plant Deschampsia antarctica Protects Fibroblasts from Senescence Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide

“…In the past, some of them have been identified in several products, such as, a secretion of the mollusk Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA) [32], extracts from fern leaves [33], curcumin [34], green tea [35], or resveratrol [36]. In this study, we have tested the antisenescence effects of an extract from the Antarctic plant Deschampsia antarctica (EDA), an extremophile plant endowed with a high antioxidant capacity and with tested resistance to oxidant stressors such as UV radiation [37].…”

Cryptomphalus aspersa Mollusc Egg Extract Promotes Regenerative Effects in Human Dermal Papilla Stem Cells

“…Several products from a very diverse origin, such as the secretion of mollusc Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA), have been described to have regenerative properties as they can help to maintain the skin balance and delay progressive degeneration [18,19,20,23,24] and also for specific skin damage, including burns [21,22]. Actually, the effects of the new compound e-CAF from egg extracts of C. aspersa and another product derived from C. aspersa secretion, SCA, which promotes better organization of the main skin cells’ lineages, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts, are known [25].…”

“…Previous works have proved that a secretion of the mollusc Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA) has antioxidant and skin regeneration properties promoting, for instance, the proliferation, migration, and survival of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts [18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25]. …”

Beneficial Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases for Skin Health

“…They remove wound debris, facilitate epithelization, and prevent wound scars from excess collagen [31–34]. In our laboratory, copper is effective in inducing wound healing whereas the antibodies to TGF- β associated with wound scars are ineffective [31–34]. …”