A Trna-Derived RNA Fragment Protects Skin From Photoaging By Preserving Collagen And Mrna Stability
Our skin faces daily challenges, and one of the biggest culprits for premature aging is chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a process known as photoaging. This leads to wrinkles, reduced elasticity, and a breakdown of essential skin components like collagen.
Recent research has uncovered a fascinating new player in protecting our skin from this damage: a tiny molecule called a tRNA-derived RNA fragment, specifically tRF-34. These small RNA molecules are derived from transfer RNA, which are typically involved in building proteins, but these fragments have distinct regulatory roles.
Scientists discovered that when skin is exposed to UV light, the levels of tRF-34 decrease. However, by restoring tRF-34, the skin showed improved resistance to photoaging. So, how does it work? It turns out that tRF-34 acts by interacting with a protein called YTHDF2. This interaction prevents YTHDF2 from breaking down another crucial molecule, the messenger RNA (mRNA) for natriuretic peptide receptor C (NPRC). Messenger RNA carries genetic instructions for making proteins, so its stability is vital for proper cell function.
When NPRC mRNA is stabilized, it leads to the activation of a signaling pathway known as TGF-β1/Smad. This pathway is a key regulator in the skin, promoting the production of collagen, the protein responsible for skin’s structure and firmness. Essentially, tRF-34 helps maintain the integrity of our skin by ensuring that the messages for collagen production and other protective mechanisms remain stable and active, even under the stress of UV exposure.
This discovery offers exciting new insights into the complex processes of skin aging and opens up potential avenues for developing novel strategies to prevent and treat photoaging.
Source: link to paper