Skin aging is an inevitable biological phenomenon influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Characterization of skin aging involves a multifaceted approach that integrates histological, biochemical, and molecular analyses. Intrinsic aging, or chronological aging, is primarily driven by genetic factors, while extrinsic aging is influenced by environmental factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and lifestyle choices. The aging process is marked by structural and functional alterations in the skin, including a decrease in elasticity, hydration, and barrier function.
Fig. 1 Cellular and morphological characteristics of skin aging. (Singh P, et al., 2022)
CD BioSciences specializes in innovative research solutions for the laboratory evaluation of skin aging, offering comprehensive biochemical assays and advanced imaging techniques.
How Do We Evaluate Skin Aging?
Analysis of skin cell renewal
Our company offers a range of assays to evaluate changes in skin cell renewal, uncovering age-related decline in keratinocyte turnover, fibroblast activity, and overall skin regenerative capacity. We offer cell proliferation assays (e.g., MTT, BrdU incorporation) to quantify changes in the rate of cell division. We provide migration assays (e.g., wound-healing assay, Boyden chamber assay) to evaluate the migratory capacity of aging-related cells, which reflects their potential contribution to processes such as tissue regeneration and repair. We also use differentiation assays (e.g., immunocytochemistry for differentiation markers) to help clients evaluate the maturation and specialization of skin cells.
Analysis of extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation
We provide various assays to quantify changes in ECM components, including collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and MMPs, which serve as key indicators of skin aging. We offer enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to measure the levels of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which are crucial components of the ECM. Our experts perform zymography and ELISA-based assays to assist clients in quantifying the activity of MMPs, enzymes that degrade the ECM. Our services help clients study the balance between ECM synthesis and degradation, a key determinant of skin structural integrity.
Analysis of senescence marker expression levels
CD BioSciences helps clients measure the expression levels of senescence markers, providing a comprehensive view of cellular senescence in skin samples.
| Models |
Senescence markers |
List of markers |
Methodology |
| Skin aging models |
Mitochondrial markers |
Translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20), Mitochondrial dynamin-like GTPase (OPA1) |
qPCR, WB, IF, etc. |
| Epidermal markers |
Advanced glycation end products (AGE), CD44, Heparin binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF), Syndecan1 (SDC), Heat shock protein family B (Small) member 1 (HSPB1), Crystallin alpha B (CRYAB) |
ELISA, WB, IHC, IF, etc. |
| Markers of the dermo-epidermal junction |
Collagen type VII alpha 1 chain (COL7A1), Collagen type IV alpha 1 chain (COL4A1), Laminin Subunit alpha 5 (LAMA5), Tenascin C (TNC) |
ELISA, WB, IHC, IF, etc. |
| Dermal markers |
Tenascin X (TNX), Collagen type 1 (COL1A1), Collagen type 3 (COL3A1), Fibrillin 1 (FBN1), Fibronectin (FN1), Hyaluronic acid (HA), Integrin subunit beta 1 (ITGB1), Decorin (DCN), TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1) |
ELISA, WB, IHC, IF, etc. |
Preclinical Evaluation of Skin Aging Through Imaging Techniques
Using preclinical models and skin samples, CD BioSciences offers imaging services for a detailed assessment of age-related changes in skin structure and function.
- Confocal microscopy. Our company provides high-resolution images of skin architecture, supporting the visualization of age-related changes in collagen fiber architecture, cellular morphology, and extracellular matrix organization.
- Dermoscopy. We offer detailed imaging of skin surface microrelief and chromophore distribution, supporting analysis of age-related microtopographical and pigmentation changes.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT). We use OCT to quantitatively measure skin thickness, collagen density, and vascular features relevant to skin aging.
CD BioSciences offers a suite of assays to assess key features of skin aging, supporting a thorough characterization of the impact of aging and the effects of potential anti-aging therapeutics. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.
Reference
- Singh P, et al. Cell-Based Model Systems for Validation of Various Efficacy-Based Claims for Cosmetic Ingredients. Cosmetics, 2022, 9 (5): 107.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
