JP2010059196A - Synthesis of loxl (lysyl oxidase-like) isoform for stimulating formation of elastic fiber, and stimulation of activity - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for identifying an active component stimulating formation of an elastic fiber, in particular. <P>SOLUTION: A screening method for providing a composition stimulating the formation of the elastic fiber is provided. This invention relates to synthesis of an isoform of lysyl oxidase, especially an LOXL (lysyl oxidase-like) isoform, and stimulation of activity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to stimulating the activity of lysyl oxidase isoforms, in particular LOXL (lysyl oxidase-like) isoforms.

Properties of skin and mucous membranes such as resistance and elasticity are essentially determined by dermal collagen fibers and elastin fibers. Elastin is a protein that constitutes an elastic fiber by binding with other molecules such as fibrillin and MAGP (Microfibrillated Glycoprotein).

“Elastic fibers” are composed of elastin deposited on microfibrils. Elastin is synthesized as soluble tropoelastin, and tropoelastin exhibits its physicochemical properties (insoluble and elastic) when deposited on microfibrils by cross-linking between molecules and molecules with lysyl oxidase. The elastic fiber imparts contractility to an organ (tube, lung soft tissue, elastic cartilage, skin, etc.) containing the elastic fiber. Elastic fibers are mainly composed of elastin deposited on microfibrils. The name “elastin” is used for a protein that forms an amorphous part of an elastic fiber and gives elasticity to the elastic fiber. Recently, it has been found that this component constituting the elastic fiber is present in the epidermis.

“Collagen fine fibers” are composed of three chains of collagen. The collagen fibers are also cross-linked by lysyl oxidase.

The aging of the skin and mucous membrane is related to the denaturation of the fibrillar network, particularly the denaturation of elastic fibers that deteriorate and do not regenerate correctly. Similarly, the network of scar elastic fibers is not accurate. Five isoforms of LOX, LOXL, LOXL2, LOXL3 and LOXL4 are known in the lysyl oxidase (LO) family (Non-patent Document 1). It has been found that LOX is involved in the crosslinking of collagen fibers (Non-patent Document 2).

Functional elastic fibers (mainly in the skin, ducts, retinal macular and intervertebral disc) are formed during the fetal growth phase and immediately after birth. The elastic fibers are formed by dermal fibroblasts in the skin, but certain compounds essential for the formation of the elastic fibers have also been found in epidermal cells. Collagen fibers are synthesized in connective tissue throughout life.

The exchange rate of elastic fibers is very slow in adults, but the total amount of elastin in the skin may increase (Non-patent Document 3). Microfibrils are not completely covered with elastin in newborns, but become completely covered around puberty. In the 40s, inclusions are formed in the fibers (especially in women), and then the elastic fibers are ruptured and lost at the boundary between the dermis and the epidermis (DEJ). Such tearing and / or disappearance in DEJ can be seen from the loss of skin elasticity and wrinkling. Non-functional elastic fibers are synthesized in the process of photoaging, and with this increase, disappearance of elastic fibers in DEJ accelerates (Non-patent Document 4).

In addition, elastic fibers are rarely synthesized in adult scars, but conversely, they are newly synthesized in elderly people (70 years old or older) whose generated elastic fibers are severely torn. There is. In this case, main components (elastin and microfibrils) in the final composition of the elastic fiber are also present, and the activity of lysyl oxidase is generally maintained (Non-patent Document 5). From this, the present inventors considered that one or more elements capable of forming a functional elastic fiber are deficient in adults, but existed at the age of 1 year after fetal growth.

In the prior art, there is no standard that can evaluate the influence of an active ingredient in skin / cosmetics on the new formation of functional elastic fibers. In this situation, it is also difficult to define a desired standard that can evaluate the effect of the active ingredient to be investigated. The actual screening method for active ingredients affects the evaluation of the expression of genes involved in the formation of elastic fibers such as elastin and fibrillin.

Currently, animal experiments are prohibited in cosmetics in Europe, and human experiments are ethically challenged. For this reason, the present inventors cannot carry out screening using animals or humans for cosmetic applications.

In a three-dimensional model such as Mimeskin® (Coletica, Lyon, France), keratinocytes induce the synthesis of tropoelastin and the deposition of tropoelastin on microfibrils (Non-Patent Document 6). In the Mimeskin® model, the extracellular matrix had radial collagen and elastic fibers made of elastin deposited on microfibrils, and exhibited an ultrastructure similar to the ultrastructure of the skin. This model has also been used to test the effectiveness of certain molecules such as lysyl oxidase inhibitors. Using this model, inhibition of lysyl oxidase induces collagen fiber and elastin fiber rupture, but the expression level of terminal differentiation markers (filaggrin, etc.) is also reduced, so deviation from the keratinocyte differentiation program Has also been demonstrated to be induced (Patent Document 1). In this patent document, no distinction is made between different LO isoforms.

However, the above study has failed to reveal a method for identifying an active ingredient that can stimulate the formation of functional elastic fibers.

Therefore, an active ingredient that can stimulate the formation of functional elastic fibers has not been clarified so far.

In addition, until now, since the conventional method is unclear, the expression region of lysyl oxidase isoform LOXL could not be traced vigorously.

Farjanel et al., French Patent 0110443, CNRS, Use of inhibitors of lysyl oxidases for cell culture and tissue engineering (<Utilisation d'inhibiteurs des lysyl oxydases pour la culture cellulaire and le genie tissulaire>)

Csiszar, Lysyl oxidases: A novel multifunctional amine oxidase family, Nucleic Acid Research and Molecular Biology, 2001, vol 70, p2-28 Seve et al., Expression analysis of recombinant lysyl oxidase (LOX) in myoblast-like cells, Connective Tissue Research, 2002, 43: 613-619. Ashcroft et al., Age-relevant changes in the temporal and spatial distributions of fibrin and elastin mRNAs and proteins in acanthaneous wounds. Pathol. 1997, 183: 80-89. Watson et al., Fibrillin-rich microfibres are reduced in photo-aged skin. Distribution at the dermal-epidermal junction, J.A. Invest. Dermatol. 1999, 112: 782-787. Pasquali-Ronchetti, Baccarani-Contri, Elastic fiber developing development and aging, Microscopy Res. Tech. , 1997, 38: 428-435. Duplan-Perrat et al., Keratinocytes influencing the maturation and organization of the elastin network in a skin equivalent. J. et al. Invest. Dermatol. 114: 365-70, 1999

The object of the present invention is mainly to solve the technical problems mentioned above, in particular the technical problems for providing a method for identifying active ingredients that stimulate the formation of functional elastic fibers. The term “functional elastic fiber” is used in the usual sense in the above-described conventional technology, but particularly in the present invention, it means an elastic fiber having contractility derived from a three-dimensional structure.

The present invention particularly relates to the use of L-form isoforms of lysyl oxidase to stimulate the formation of functional elastic fibers, or the activity to stimulate enzymatic activity or expression of L-form isoforms of lysyl oxidase (LOXL). Concerning the use of ingredients.

According to the present invention, it is possible to solve the technical problem of providing a method for confirming the location of LOXL and tracking this expression.

A description of the sequence of LOs determined to produce specific antibodies. FIG. 1 (A): Schematic of hLOX (human LOX protein) and hLOXL (human LOXL protein). FIG. 1 (B): shows the similarity between LOX and LOXL antigenic regions and the corresponding region on the LO isoform. Photo of electrophoresis performed on smooth muscle cells (SMC) using anti-LOX antibody and anti-LOXL antibody. Immunohistological detection of LOXL and LOX in regenerated skin (RS) and normal human skin. In reconstructed skin (16 and 35, and 45 days later) and human foreskin skin section, anti ^{LOXL2 517-581} antibody (left column), and, theoretically LOXL2, recognize LOXL3 and LOXL4 anti ^{LOXL2 664-720} antibody ( Immunodetection performed using (right column). Immunodetection of LOXL, LOX and elastin performed using transmission electron microscopy in regenerated skin 30 days after addition of corneocytes and in the dermis of normal human skin. Immunodetection of LOX and LOXL in human skin. Immunodetection of LOX and LOXL in abdominal skin taken from people of different ages. Immunodetection of LOX and LOXL in the skin of scar tissue with different duration after treatment. Correlation between the sequence of the promoter PrhLOXL and the luciferase / β-galactosidase activity. A site presumed to be controlled by a nuclear factor in the nuclear sequence PrLOXL. Detection of the expression of the gene encoding LOXL by in situ hybridization performed on the skin model cross section after 35 days. Expression of LOX gene, LOXL gene, elastin gene and actin gene in infant foreskin and adult skin.

In the present description, we mean that the term “LOXL” or “hLOXL” refers to the L-form isoform LOXL of human lysyl oxidase protein.

In the present description, we mean that the term “LOX” or “hLOX” means the first isoform of human lysyl oxidase protein LOX.

The inventors say that the term “stimulates the expression of lysyl oxidase isoform LOXL” stimulates the expression of the gene encoding LOXL or its promoter, in particular the synthesis of messenger RNA encoding LOXL. Furthermore, it is meant to stimulate the synthesis of LOXL derived from this messenger RNA.

We mean that the term “stimulates the expression of elastin” stimulates the expression of the gene encoding the elastin protein or its promoter, in particular the synthesis of the messenger RNA encoding the elastin protein, Is meant to stimulate the synthesis of elastin protein or its precursor tropoelastin protein from the above messenger RNA.

Thus, in the present invention, the present inventors aim to mainly stimulate either the above-mentioned LOXL expression or LOXL enzymatic activity.

This stimulation must be effective enough to stimulate the formation of functional elastic fibers.

LOXL expression and / or activity in a model having at least one cell exhibiting LOXL expression and / or activity, in contact with the active ingredient, in a control model (no active ingredient contact) An active ingredient is considered effective if it can be activated or increased about 1.5-fold with respect to expression level and / or activity.

The present invention provides, from the first aspect of the present invention, a lysyl oxidase-like isoform set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 (also referred to as LOXL), or a homologue or essential homologue thereof, or the activity of LOXL and The present invention relates to the use of an ingredient that promotes expression for producing a composition that stimulates the formation of elastic fibers.

The term “homolog or essential homolog thereof” means a homolog of lysyl oxidase isoform LOXL having the same or similar activity as LOXL described herein.

Advantageously, the expression of LOXL is either the expression of a nucleotide sequence encoding LOXL or the expression of a peptide sequence that forms part of the protein LOXL. This peptide sequence is preferably selected from SEQ ID NO: 1.

Advantageously, the composition is a cosmetic composition, a nutritional supplement composition, a medical composition or a pharmaceutical composition.

Advantageously, the composition further comprises a second substance that stimulates the expression of the protein elastin, in particular for stimulating the formation of elastic fibers. The second substance is preferably a substance that promotes the activity and / or expression of LOXL.

Advantageously, the active ingredient is a region that binds to at least part of the nucleotide sequence of the promoter (Pr) of the human LOXL gene promoter (Pr) or a homologue or essential homologue promoter thereof, Alternatively, it includes a region that alters the expression of a protein that binds to at least part of the nucleotide sequence of the promoter of the human LOXL gene promoter (Pr) (SEQ ID NO: 3) or a homologue or essential homologue thereof. This sequence is derived from nucleotide -2630 before the ATG codon, and nucleotides from -2172 to -1 were studied in detail.

Advantageously, the active ingredients are inondo, currant, cardamom, black radish, box holly, cinnamon, lactic acid bacteria fermentation, oats, potatoes, raw silk, asafetida gum, ethyl hexenoate and It is selected from the group consisting of its derivatives, methyl butyrate and its derivatives, and ethyl decadienoate and its derivatives.

Advantageously, the use is made to induce new formation of elastic fibers in the tissue, in particular to stimulate the elasticity of the resulting tissue and to reduce skin wrinkles.

Advantageously, the use may be used to resist tissue sagging, or to increase the density of the extracellular matrix, or subcutaneously, particularly when tissue sagging is observed during aging or sun exposure. Improves the quality of the scar tissue and the appearance of the scar, to tighten the tissue, to reduce skin wrinkles, to exert an anti-wrinkle effect, or in particular due to malnutrition scars and keloid scars Or to resist stretch lines.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising the active ingredient as a mixture with cosmetically acceptable excipients as required.

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a nutritional supplement composition comprising the active ingredient as a mixture with a food acceptable excipient as required.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the active ingredient as a mixture with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients as required.

For the above cosmetic composition or pharmaceutical composition, excipients include, for example, preservatives, emollients, emulsifiers, surfactants, moisturizers, thickeners, regulators, matting agents, stabilizers, antioxidants, It includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of texture modifiers, brighteners, filmogenic agents, solubilizers, pigments, dyes, fragrances and solar filters. The excipient is preferably an amino acid and derivatives thereof, polyglycerin, cellulose esters, polymers and derivatives, lanolin derivatives, phospholipids, lactoferrin, milk peroxidase, sucrose stabilizer, vitamin E and derivatives thereof, natural And synthetic waxes, vegetable oils, triglycerides, unsaponifiables, plant sterols, plant esters, silicones and derivatives thereof, protein hydrolysates, jojoba oil and derivatives thereof, fat-soluble / water-soluble esters, betaines, amine oxides, plant extracts , Sucrose ester, titanium dioxide, glycine, and paraben. More preferably, butylene glycol, steareth-2, steareth-21, glycol-15 stearyl ether, cetearyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, butylene glycol, natural tocopherol, glycerin, dihydroxycetyl sodium, Isopropyl hydroxycetyl ether, glycol stearate, triisononaoine, coconut oil fatty acid octyl, polyacrylamide, isoparaffin, laureth-7, carbomer, propylene glycol, glycerin, bisabolol, dimethicone, sodium hydroxide, PEG30-dipoly Hydroxy stearate, tri (capryl / capric) glyceryl, octa Cetearyl acid, dibutyl adipate, grape seed oil, jojoba oil, magnesium sulfate, EDTA, cyclomethicone, xanthan gum, citric acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, mineral wax and mineral oil, isostearyl isostearate, propylene glycol dipelargonate ), Propylene glycol isostearate, PEG-8 beeswax, hydrogenated palm kernel fatty acid glyceride, hydrogenated palm oil fatty acid glyceride, lanolin oil, sesame oil, cetyl lactate, lanolin alcohol, castor oil, titanium dioxide, lactose, sucrose, low density polyethylene And isotonic saline.

Advantageously, the composition is an aqueous or oily solution, aqueous cream, aqueous gel or oily gel, in particular body soap, shampoo; emulsion, emulsion, microemulsion or nanoemulsion, especially in bottles or tubes. , Especially oil-in-water or water-in-oil or multiphase or silicone-containing microemulsions or nanoemulsions; lotions, especially in glass bottles, plastic bottles or measuring bottles; or aerosol-like lotions; ampoules; liquid soaps; dermatology Formulated in a form selected from the group consisting of dermatologic bars; ointments; foams; anhydrous products, preferably liquid, pasty or solid anhydrous products such as sticks, in particular lipsticks.

Advantageously, if the composition is sufficiently liquid, it can be administered, especially subcutaneously, in the eyes, lungs, mouth or nose.

Advantageously, the pasty or solid composition (paste, powder, tablet, capsule, granule, suppository, etc.) can be introduced into the body, especially from the mouth, tongue, nose or rectum.

Advantageously, if possible in the formulation of the composition, the composition is administered through the skin or mucosa, in particular by application to the skin or mucosa.

Advantageously, one skilled in the art can select from a variety of formulations and routes of administration that are suitable for the desired effect.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cosmetic treatment, characterized in that it comprises the use of the above composition.

Advantageously, the cosmetic procedure provides resistance to tissue sagging and densification of the extracellular matrix and tightening of the subcutaneous tissue, especially when tissue sagging is observed during aging or sun exposure. Selected from the group consisting of: reduction of skin wrinkles and anti-wrinkle effects, and improved scar tissue and keloid wounds due to malnutrition, improved scar tissue quality and scar appearance, and resistance to stretch marks Is done.

According to a sixth aspect, the present invention is a screening method for a component that promotes the activity of LOXL, or a homologue or essential homologue thereof, and stimulates the formation of elastic fibers.
Contacting the potential active ingredient with at least one of the cells capable of expressing isoform LOXL, or a homologue or essential homologue thereof,
-(A) LOXL or its homologue or essential homology, in particular for the purpose of clarifying whether the potential active ingredient stimulates the activity of LOXL or its homologue or essential homologue. For the purpose of examining the activity of the body, or-(b) in particular whether the potential active ingredient stimulates the expression of LOXL or its homologues or essential homologues, LOXL, or The present invention relates to a screening method comprising examining the expression of homologues or essential homologues.

Regarding the investigation of the expression of LOXL or its homologues or essential homologues,
Advantageously, the potential active ingredient is
The expression of at least one nucleotide sequence encoding the protein LOXL, or a homologue or essential homologue thereof, and / or
Whether it stimulates the expression of the protein sequence that essentially constitutes the protein LOXL, or a homologue or a peptide fragment of an essential homologue thereof.

Advantageously, the investigation of LOXL expression is performed by qualitative and / or quantitative analysis of the expression of at least a portion of the nucleotide sequence encoding LOXL.

Advantageously, the nucleotide sequence is a cDNA complementary to the mRNA encoding LOXL, which is described in SEQ ID NO: 2.

Advantageously, in examining the expression of LOXL, a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) comprising the use of a primer that hybridizes with at least part of the nucleotide sequence of complementary DNA encoding LOXL (SEQ ID NO: 2). Used to amplify at least a portion of the nucleotide sequence encoding LOXL.

Advantageously, the method is also used in regenerative skin models or biopsy based models,
In particular using at least one DNA probe that hybridizes at least part of the nucleotide sequence encoding LOXL, for example with at least part of the nucleotide sequence of complementary DNA encoding LOXL (SEQ ID NO: 2), By hybridization, or
-Including the step of confirming the location of the expression of LOXL, particularly by immunodetection using at least one LOXL specific antibody.

Such specific antibodies are shown in detail in Example 1.

Advantageously, the screening method comprises comparing the expression of LOXL to the expression of LOXL in a control that does not contain the potential active agent.

Advantageously, the living cells comprise fibroblasts, in particular fibroblasts derived from normal human skin, such as fibroblasts derived from foreskin or adult subject skin.

Advantageously, the living cells comprise epithelial cells, such as keratinocytes, in particular epithelial cells derived from normal human skin, such as foreskin or epithelial cells derived from the skin of an adult subject.

Advantageously, the living cells are derived from a specific site such as the face, abdomen or chest and are at least one skin or scar that can be considered “exposed” to “aging” or sunlight, etc. Alternatively, it is collected from the skin derived from the stretched part.

Advantageously, the screening method uses a regenerated skin model, preferably at least one dermis model comprising fibroblasts, or a model based on biopsy.

Advantageously, the screening method uses a regenerative skin model or a biopsy based model. The regenerated skin model used is advantageously the Mimeskin® regenerated skin model, but it can also be a model of a binding matrix, epidermis, epithelium, regenerated skin or regenerated mucosa.

(1) <Three-dimensional binding matrix (dermis or chorion) culture model>
Includes a carrier seeded with stromal cells to form regenerated dermis or regenerated chorion. This carrier is preferably
- semipermeable synthetic semipermeable membrane, specifically nitrocellulose semipermeable membrane, nylon semipermeable membrane, Teflon ^TM film or Teflon ^TM sponge, polycarbonate or polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Anopore ^TM inorganic semipermeable An inert carrier selected from the group consisting of a membrane, a cellulose acetate or cellulose ester (HATF) membrane, a Biopore-CM ^TM semipermeable membrane, a polyester semipermeable membrane or a polyglycolic acid membrane or thin film (in the above group, for example, a dermal model ^{Skin 2TM model ZK1100, Dermagraft (R} ) and Transcyte (R) (Advanced Tissue Sciences Inc.) is exemplified)
-Cell culture treated resin (Structure of a dermal leaf: Michel M. et al., In Vitro Cell. Dev Biol.-Animal (1999) 35: 318-326)
-Hyaluronic acid (Hyalogft (R) 3D-Fidia Advanced Biopolymers) and / or collagen and / or fibronectin and / or fibrin-based gels or membranes (in the above group, for example Vitrix (R) which is a dermis model) (Organogenesis)
-Made from collagen that can contain one or more glycosaminoglycans and / or finally chitosan (CNRS EP0296078 A1, Coletica WO01 / 911821 and WO01 / 92322) Selected from a porous matrix that is or has not floated.

(2) <Three-dimensional epidermis or epithelial culture model>
Comprises a carrier that is seeded with stromal cells, in particular fibroblasts and then with epithelial cells, in particular keratinocytes, or has not been seeded in order to obtain a regenerated epithelium or regenerated epidermis. This carrier is preferably
-Synthetic semipermeable membrane, specifically nitrocellulose semipermeable membrane, nylon semipermeable membrane, Teflon ^TM membrane or Teflon ^TM sponge, polycarbonate or polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) semipermeable membrane, Anopore inorganic semipermeable membrane An inert carrier selected from the group consisting of a cellulose acetate or cellulose ester (HATF) membrane, a Biopore-CM semipermeable membrane or a polyester semipermeable membrane (in the above group, a model of regenerated epidermis and epithelium (Skinetic®) And models such as EpiDerm (R), EpiAirway (R), EpiOccular (R) (Mattek Corporation))
-Thin films or membranes based on hyaluronic acid and / or collagen and / or fibronectin and / or fibrin (in the above group, in particular, Episkin (R) (Loreal) and Laserskin (R) (Fidia advanced Biopolymers) Model)
Selected from.

(3) <Three-dimensional regenerated skin or mucosal culture model>
Comprises a matrix carrier (dermal or chorionic) seeded with epithelial cells to obtain regenerated mucosa or keratinocytes to obtain regenerated skin. This carrier is preferably
-Synthetic semipermeable membrane, specifically nitrocellulose semipermeable membrane, nylon semipermeable membrane, Teflon ^TM membrane or Teflon ^TM sponge, polycarbonate or polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) semipermeable membrane, Anopore inorganic semipermeable membrane An inert carrier selected from the group consisting of a cellulose acetate or cellulose ester (HATF) membrane, a Biopore-CM semipermeable membrane or a polyester semipermeable membrane (the inactive carrier is a stromal cell, particularly a fibroblast). Including)
-Gels based on collagen and / or hyaluronic acid and / or fibronectin and / or fibrin, including stromal cells, in particular fibroblasts-one or more glycosaminoglycans and / or finally chitosan A porous matrix that is made of collagen that is capable of containing, is floating or not floating (the porous matrix is an integral of stromal cells, especially fibroblasts)
-Selected from the peeled or dead dermis of humans or animals.

In the above group, models such as Aplygraf® (organogenesis), ATS-2000 (CellSystems® Biotechnology Vertrieb), particularly Skin ^2TM (ZK1200-1300-2000, Advanced Tissue Science) can be mentioned. .

There are also models that can be used for tissue treatment and can be the subject of this study. Examples of the model include Epidex ^™ (Model Therapeutiques), Epibase® (Laboratoire Genevrier), Epicell ^™ (Genzyme), Autoderm ^™ and Transderm ^™ (Inogenetics).

Advantageously, the screening method uses at least one regenerative skin model, preferably an epidermis model containing keratinocytes.

Advantageously, the method comprises the expression of at least one sequence of the protein elastin and / or tropoelastin, or the nucleotide sequence encoding the protein elastin, in particular the active ingredient is in contact with the living cell. And investigating to reveal that the expression of the protein elastin is ultimately stimulated.

Advantageously, the method comprises the step of immunodetecting the expression of the protein LOXL, particularly in epithelial and / or connective tissues, in particular for the purpose of examining whether new formation of elastic fibers can be followed. The tissue is derived from at least one of a regenerated skin model or a biopsy-based model.

Advantageously, the active ingredients are inondo, currant, cardamom, black radish, box holly, cinnamon, lactic acid bacteria fermentation, oats, potatoes, raw silk, asafetida gum, ethyl hexenoate and It is selected from the group consisting of its derivatives, methyl butyrate and its derivatives, and ethyl decadienoate and its derivatives.

According to a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to the position of expression in LOXL or its homologous or essential homologous tissues, in particular connective tissue, for the purpose of investigating whether new formation of elastic fibers can be traced. The tissue is derived from at least one regenerative skin model or biopsy, wherein the method comprises immunodetecting the protein LOXL, or a homologue or essential homologue thereof, or LOXL Or in situ hybridization of at least a portion of the nucleotide sequence encoding the homologue or essential homologue thereof.

The present invention also relates to a method for confirming the location of LOXL expression in a tissue, particularly in epithelial tissue and / or connective tissue, for the purpose of examining whether the formation of elastic fibers can be followed. Immunodetection of the protein LOXL or in situ hybridization of a gene encoding LOXL.

The present invention also relates to the use of active ingredients that alter the enzymatic activity or expression of the protein LOXL to stimulate the formation of elastic fibers.

The present invention also relates to a method of treating a deficiency involving the enzymatic activity of the protein lysyl oxidase isoform LOXL, said method comprising asking the patient for the protein lysyl oxidase LOXL or “a homologue or essential homologue thereof”. Or administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound that stimulates the enzymatic activity or expression of the protein lysyl oxidase LOXL.

Advantageously, the treatment method allows resistance to tissue sag and densification of extracellular matrix and tightening of subcutaneous tissue, especially when tissue sag is observed during aging or sun exposure. Treatments selected from reduction of skin wrinkles and anti-wrinkle effects, and particularly improved scar tissue and keloid wounds due to malnutrition, improvement of scar tissue quality and appearance of scars, and resistance to stretch marks It can be performed.

We anticipate that the activity of LOXL was largely lacking in the formation of elastic fibers in adults, and that reactivating the synthesis of this lysyl oxidase isoform would have a stimulating effect on the formation of elastic fibers. Also revealed outside.

The inventors have shown that this isoform of the lysyl oxidase (LO) family is actually involved in the formation of elastic fibers in regenerative skin models that produce elastic fibers. When we examined whether this isoform is present in the skin of subjects of different ages during the course of skin changes, we have determined whether this isoform and elastic fiber formation are present simultaneously. Focused on. It can be seen that the activity of this LO isoform is deficient during the formation of elastic fibers in adults, and that the synthesis of this LO isoform needs to be changed in order to regulate the formation of functional elastic fibers.

In this way, the inventors have found a way to visualize this increase in the expression of LO isoform (LOXL), particularly from plant extracts or chemicals (especially the expression of mRNA encoding LOXL). Looked for active ingredients to stimulate. The active ingredient is then selected, especially in cosmetic, dermopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical compositions, which resists tissue sagging due to aging and the scar tissue quality and the appearance of scars and stretch marks. In order to improve.

We made specific antibodies against the mature form of LOXL (see Examples 1 and 2) and, as described above, the absence of this lysyl oxidase isoform and problems in the synthesis of functional elastic fibers. However, it was revealed that the aging of the skin tissue was interrelated regardless of whether the aging was natural or induced by sun exposure.

Isoforms LOXL2, LOXL3 and LOXL4 are not or hardly expressed in the dermis and are not involved in the formation of elastic fibers (see Example 4). Isoform LOX is present in the dermis and can bind to microfibrils, is involved in the formation of functional collagen fibers and is present in adult skin. Thus, there is no correlation between the absence of LOX and the loss of elasticity of the elastic fiber due to aging (see Example 3).

Therefore, clarifying the action of LOXL in the formation of elastic fibers was important for completing the present invention (see Example 5).

The binding of LOXL and elastic fibers or microfibrils was clearly shown in the process of completing the present invention by electron microscopy. LOXL bound to microfibrils constitutes a scaffold on which elastin is deposited.

LOXL is an enzyme that crosslinks and matures elastin and can form functional elastic fibers.

In the present invention, the present inventors have completed a method for confirming the location of LOXL expression.

The localization method particularly includes LOXL immunodetection. This method can also be used to reveal the expression of the protein elastin. Our studies have shown that LOXL is bound to dense deposits on microfibrils but not to collagen fibers. Elastin was found in the dense deposits and microfibrils described above. This phenomenon was observed 30 days after the addition of keratinocytes in the regenerated skin model, particularly in the regenerated skin model (see Example 5).

The binding of LOXL to microfibrils and elastic fibers was confirmed in the foreskin skin, especially by transmission electron microscopy following immunodetection.

LOXL is expressed in the dermis of foreskin skin collected from a young patient (a few months old) who still has high elastin synthesis. However, LOXL is not expressed in the dermis of adult neck, chest, abdomen or facial skin. Such a phenomenon that LOXL is not observed in the dermis of the neck, chest, abdomen or facial skin has been confirmed for adults regardless of age. It was observed that a lot of LOXL was also expressed in the epidermis of human skin (although the expression gradually disappears when the skin was collected from a patient over 80 years old) (see Example 6). .

Regarding scarring, LOXL was not observed in the dermis even in scars after 3 months and 5 years.

In this regard, it should be noted that the elastin that was present in the scar after 3 months had passed is not present in the scar tissue after 5 years.

In this way, the inventors have clarified the action of LOXL in the formation of elastic fibers, particularly using the regenerated skin model or the dermis of the foreskin of young patients.

The inventors have also revealed that LOXL is not expressed in the tissue part of the scar and in the dermis of human skin of different ages (ie during aging).

Among isoforms of lysyl oxidase, LOXL is one of isoforms that can crosslink elastic fibers. However, since only this isoform LOXL is deficient, it is impossible to form functional fibers by crosslinking elastic fibers in adults.

Based on the above unexpected discovery, the present inventors conducted a screening for active ingredients that stimulate the formation of functional elastic fibers for the purpose of identifying active ingredients in order to produce cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions.

The present invention also relates to activation of the promoter of the human gene encoding LOXL (see Example 7).

Various activities of the promoter were revealed. The sequence of this promoter is attached to this specification and is specifically shown in the description below for PrhLOXL.

Regarding this promoter, the region of nucleotides -712 / -391 (the number when the translation of the hLOXL gene starts from +1) is expressed after migration transfection in human foreskin skin fibroblasts, etc. This is a region having an up-regulating activity on the reporter gene luciferase.

The present inventors have been able to identify a site presumed to be controlled by a nuclear factor. This factor was correlated with cytokines or other factors known to affect transcription of specific genes.

In addition, it was found that some of the regions of PrhLOXL are activation regions or inhibition regions.

In particular, it was confirmed that the regions -1722 / -2002, -1438 / -968, and -712 / -391 were active regions, and the regions -2002 / -1438 and -968 / -712 were inhibitory regions. . The region of −80 / −1 is not an activation region, but is located downstream from +1 of the transcribed region. In this number, +1 of the transcribed region is estimated to correspond to a position of −342 from the translation start position. Therefore, it was found that some of the above regions may regulate the hLOXL gene. In particular, these sites are presumed to be two sites presumed to be retinoic acid response sites, two sites presumed to be TGF-β (transforming growth factor β) response sites, and EGF (epidermal growth factor) response sites. 1 type of site, 3 types of site presumed to be estrogen response sites, and 2 types of site presumed to be glucocorticoid response sites (GRE).

This means that the active ingredient that stimulates the novel synthesis and / or activity of hLOXL and stimulates the formation of elastic fibers alters the expression of the protein bound to the site, particularly in the region described above. Or indirectly means acting on the promoter of the hLOXL gene. From this, it is considered that a substance containing a region capable of binding to at least a part of the nucleotide sequence of PrhLOXL, particularly the above-mentioned putative site, or a region capable of changing the expression of a protein capable of binding to the site has activity. Will be able to.

Through our research, we have clarified a method for identifying active ingredients that stimulate the formation of elastic fibers.

In the present invention, the present inventors have been able to prove by performing in situ hybridization and particularly confirming the position of expression of messenger RNA encoding LOXL. This in situ hybridization is performed in particular on a cross-section of a regenerated skin model embedded with paraffin, 30 days after adding keratinocytes, using a digoxigenin-labeled double-stranded DNA probe. Similar in situ hybridization also demonstrated the expression of tropoelastin and collagen α1 (I) messenger RNA (see Example 8).

LOXL mRNA is expressed throughout the dermis and throughout the epidermis. Tropoelastin mRNA is expressed in the vicinity of the dermal fibroblasts and in the epidermis. Collagen Iα1 mRNA is expressed in the dermis but not in the epidermis. From this, in the present invention, the expression position of LOXL mRNA, in particular in a regenerated skin model, after application of an active ingredient that stimulates the formation of functional elastic fibers, for example, is confirmed and proved.

In the present invention, the hLOXL gene was activated by adding keratinocytes to the regenerated skin model, in particular to the regenerated skin model Mimeskin® (Coletica, Lyon, France). The synthesis of LOXL mRNA is specifically associated with the synthesis of tropoelastin and is induced about 6 days after the addition of keratinocytes, especially to the equivalent of the dermis.

Furthermore, the present invention has made it possible to clarify the decrease in the expression levels of hLOXL gene and human elastin gene in fibroblasts derived from the elderly.

In this regard, the present inventors have included 5 strains of fibroblasts derived from foreskin (FF) (derived from infants) and 6 strains of adult fibroblasts (AF) collected during plastic surgery of the abdomen (of which The average age of 3 people was 20 years old, and the average age of the remaining 3 people was 60 years old). In addition, the expression of the gene encoding the protein LOX was also examined (see Example 9).

The above three genes of interest and actin expression were examined by real-time RT-PCR. The present invention is not limited to this type of investigation. According to this method, gene expression can be accurately quantified as compared to constant actin expression. Thereby, the control of the expression level of this gene can be quantified.

The results shown in FIG. 12 show that LOXL mRNA synthesis is markedly and statistically significantly reduced in adult fibroblasts by nearly 70% compared to foreskin fibroblasts, but elastin mRNA synthesis is Indicates that there is no significant difference. This data is consistent with previous reports on elastin since this result does not appear to be due to inhibition of the activity of the elastin gene if the elastic tissue is degraded and not exchanged.

Although the synthesis of LOX mRNA in AF is reduced by an average of 40% relative to FF, this change is a very good indication of the phenomenon in vivo because this enzyme is not always expressed in normal human skin. I can't say.

It is also advantageous to stimulate the expression of elastin to further stimulate the formation of elastic fibers.

The present invention provides a method by which the expression of LOXL can be revealed, particularly in fibroblasts.

The present invention aims to implement the various methods described above in such a way as to identify active ingredients that stimulate the formation of elastic fibers.

Usually, the method of the present invention is a method for searching for the expression of the protein LOXL, and in particular, a method for searching for the expression of messenger RNA encoding LOXL (see Example 10).

The invention also relates to active ingredients that stimulate the formation of elastic fibers (see Examples 11 and 12).

The invention also relates to the use of the enzyme LOXL or a derivative thereof or the active ingredient described above for the production of a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition (see Examples 13-18). LOXL can be stimulated at the gene level of messenger RNA or of the protein itself. By activating in this way, elastic fibers can be formed, in particular by cross-linking of elastin with the enzyme LOXL.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description with reference to the following examples.

The embodiments are essential to the present invention, and all novel features in light of the prior art described throughout the specification, including the embodiments, are both essential to the present invention, both in function and outline.

From the above, all examples show a general range.

In the examples, unless otherwise indicated, percentages are by weight, temperatures are in degrees Centigrade, and pressures are in atmospheric pressure.

[Example 1]
In the present invention, LOX and LOXL specific antibodies were newly produced. By using this antibody, these mature forms can be detected. This antibody was raised against the mature region of LOX and LOXL. The antigenic region was selected to minimize similarity to the corresponding region on other lysyl oxidase (LO) isoforms. The antibodies obtained against the region of the peptide ^{LOX V228-S280} anti LOXmat antibodies, similarly to an antibody obtained to a region of the peptide ^{LOXL R231-G368} was designated anti LOXLpro antibody.

FIG. 1: Description of the sequence of LO determined to make a specific antibody: This figure represents the step of selecting antigenic regions to make anti-LOX and anti-LOXL antibodies.
FIG. 1 (A): Schematic of hLOX (human LOX protein) and hLOXL (human LOXL protein).

The hLOX and hLOXL sequences are shown as outlined rectangles, and the C-terminal region is dotted to highlight regions of high similarity. The position of the cleavage site in the front region and the cleavage site by procollagen C proteinase (PCP) are shown on the A22 and D169 residues of hLOX, respectively. For LOXL, the position of the cleavage site of the previous region at the N-terminal maturation site of the 56 kDa precursor (before Q26 residue) and the cleavage site by the PCP of the 56 kDa LOXL precursor were determined in front of Q135 residue and D338. Each is shown before the residue. The molecular weights of the corresponding LOXL proteins Q ²⁶ -S ⁵⁷⁴ , D ¹³⁵ -S ⁵⁷⁴ and D ³³⁸ -S ⁵⁷⁴ are estimated to be about 63 kDa, 54.6 kDa and 26.7 kDa, respectively. The position of the recombinant peptide used to make the anti-LOX antibody is shown as peptide G128-L212 for the anti-LOXpro antibody, peptide V228-S280 for the anti-LOXmat antibody, and peptide D305-N373 for the anti-LOXcat antibody. The location of the recombinant peptide used to make the anti-LOXL antibody is shown as peptide R231-G368 for the anti-LOXLpro antibody and peptide S355-D415 for the anti-LOXLmat antibody.

FIG. 1 (B): This table shows the similarity between the LOX and LOXL antigenic regions and the corresponding regions on the LO isoform.
1B, hLOXL is human LOXL protein, bLOXL is bovine LOXL protein, mLOXL is mouse LOXL protein, hLOXL is human LOX protein, bLOX is bovine LOX protein, hLOXL2 is human LOXL2 protein, hLOXL3 is human LOXL3 The protein, hLOXL4, represents the human LOXL4 protein.
In the length (aa) column, the number of amino acids contained in the corresponding region is described.

In order to produce an antibody, the determined hLOXL or hLOX sequence is inserted into the BamHI-XhoI site of the expression plasmid pGEX-4T-3 (Amersham Biosciences) together with the gene for glutathione S-transferase (GST), and the chimeric gene Built.

The cDNA sequence of HLOXL (cDNA hLOXL) prepared by PCR using the sense primer 5′-TTGGATCCAGCGTAGGCAGCGTGTAC-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 16) and the antisense primer 5′-AAACTCGAGCATCGTAGCGGGGC-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 17) is introduced. Thus, the fusion gene GST-LOXL ^S355-D415 was constructed.

By introducing hLOX cDNA amplified using the sense primer 5′-TCGGATCCGCCTACTGACATCATGAGCCC-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 18) and the antisense primer 5′-GTCCTCGAGACCGTACTGGGAAGTAGCC-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 19), respectively, the fusion gene GST-LOX ^G128-L212 was constructed.

By introducing the hLOX sequence amplified using the sense primer 5′-TTGGATCCGTGCCAGAAGATGCTCGTTAC-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 20) and the antisense primer 5′-TTTCTCGAGGCTGGTAAGAAATCTGATG-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 21), respectively, the fusion gene GST- LOX ^V228-S279 was constructed.

By introducing hLOX cDNA amplified using the sense primer 5′-CACTATGATCCCTGATGCCACAACCACC-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 22) and the antisense primer 5′-CACGACCTTTAGGATATCGTTCCAGG-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 23), respectively, the fusion gene GST-LOX ^D306-N373 was constructed.

Taq polymerase High Fidelity (Roche Diagnostics, Meyman, France) was used for all these PCR amplifications.

The fusion proteins GST-LOX and GST-LOXL and rabbit polyclonal antibody were obtained, and the fusion protein derived from the expression of the fusion genes GST-LOXL ^S355-D415 and GST-LOX ^G128-L212 was purified by the method described above (Decitre Lab Invest, 78: 143-151, 1998; Borel et al., J. Biol. Chem, 276: 48944-49, 2001).

The adsorption experiment was performed by incubating the antibody at 20 ° C. for 3 hours together with the fusion protein adsorbed on Hybond-ECL nitrocellulose membrane (Amersham Bioscience) prior to immunodetection.

Performing the above experiments, it was possible to first elucidate mature forms of LOX and LOXL based on the immunochemical and biochemical properties of the mature protein (see Example 2 (FIG. 2)). ). The resulting antibody is distinct from antibodies that have not been used to recognize the mature form of LOXL previously used for LOXL (Decitre et al., Lab Invest, 78: 143-151, 1998; Borel et al., J. Biol. Biol.Chem, 276: 48944-49, 2001). In the present invention, an anti-LOXLmat antibody and an anti-LOXmat antibody were used, which revealed a 31 kDa protein corresponding to the mature form of LOXL that is recognized by the anti-LOXLmat antibody but not by the anti-LOXLmat antibody. I was able to. From this, it can be seen that the present invention has made substantial progress over the prior art, particularly the Csiszar et al. Patent, which describes all proteins derived from the LO family of genes but does not define their characteristics. I understand (WO01 / 83702A2: an application related to a novel enzyme belonging to the lysyl oxidase family in the amine oxidase family).

[Example 2]
“Immunodetection of LOX and LOXL in myocytes with novel antibodies, anti-LOX and anti-LOXL antibodies”
FIG. 2: FIG. 2 is a photograph of electrophoresis performed by the method described below. This electrophoresis reveals the properties of LOX and LOXL mature proteins in smooth muscle cells (SMC) by using the anti-LOX and anti-LOXL antibodies revealed in Example 1.

Extract protein from cell line (L) and cell culture medium (M) of rat smooth muscle cell line (developed by Jean-Marie Daniel Lamazeire (Bordeaux)), anti-LOXLmat antibody, anti-LOXmat antibody, anti-LOXLpro antibody and anti-LOXLpro antibody Was detected by Western blotting. Cells, 5% CO ₂ atmosphere at 37 ° C., 10% fetal bovine serum, and cultured in DMEM medium (Sigma) containing glutamine 2mM and gentamicin 50 [mu] g / ml.

The cell line protein was washed twice with PBS buffer and slowly stirred at 4 ° C. over 2 hours while dissolving the lysis buffer (16 mM phosphate buffer (pH 8), 0.5% NP40, protease inhibitor (complete mini, Roche Diagnostics) and urea 6M). The lysate was diluted with 2 volumes of 16 mM phosphate buffer (pH 8) containing protease inhibitors (Complete Mini, Roche Diagnostics, Meylan, France) and centrifuged at 15000 g for 5 minutes. . Soluble protein was precipitated by adding 10% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and subjected to electrophoresis.

Proteins in the medium of cells cultured for 48 hours without adding serum were collected by adding 10% TCA or 50% saturated ammonium sulfate and precipitated.

Proteins were separated by 10% SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for immunodetection. The protein polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane (Immobilon ^{P SQ,} Millipore) and transferred onto and immunodetection as described above (Borel et al., 2001).

Thus, by using the antibody prepared above, the mature and immature forms of LOX and LOXL in living tissues can be characterized and their positions can be confirmed.

Example 3
"Demonstration of LOX and LOXL action in elastic fiber formation"
The inventors have revealed by immunohistochemical techniques that LOX and LOXL proteins may be involved in the formation of connective tissue in the dermis in a regenerated skin model (FIG. 3). This was clarified by using anti-LOX and anti-LOXL antibodies against the enzyme precursor region and mature region of the two enzymes (LOX and LOXL).

FIG. 3 shows the results of immunohistological detection of LOXL and LOX in regenerated skin (RS) and normal human skin. After 16 days (A), after 35 days (C) and after 45 days of regeneration skin (E) LOXL (A, C , E, G) immunodetection of anti ^{LOXL R231-G368} antibody (A, C, E), Or what was performed using the corresponding peptide GST-LOXL ^R231-G368 and the anti- LOXL ^R231-G368 antibody (G) adsorbed before immunodetection is shown. Immunodetection of LOX (B, D, F, H) at 16 days (B), 35 days (D), and 45 days (F), anti-LOX ^V228-S279 antibody (B, D, F), or immunization It shows what was performed using the corresponding peptide GST-LOX ^V228-S279 and the adsorbed anti-LOX ^V228-S279 antibody (H) before detection. Immunodetection of LOXL human foreskin in the skin (I) and LOX (J), was performed using ^{anti-LOXL R231-G368} antibody (I) and ^{anti-LOX V228-S 279} antibody (J). The boundary between the dermis and epidermis is indicated by a white arrow, the substrate of the dermis is indicated by an arrow, and the position of the corneocytes after 16 days is indicated by the tip of the arrow.

Regenerated skin (Mimeskin®, Coletica, Lyon, France) was prepared in bouin fixative (LOX, LOXL, elastin) or 10% formalin solution (for elastin) and then embedded in paraffin. Paraffin was removed from a 6 μm thick section and bleached in a hydrochloric acid solution of glycine (100 mmol / L). Anti-LOX and anti-LOXL antibodies are as described above.

The antibodies were used diluted as follows: 500-fold (anti-LOXL ^R231-G368 antibody), 100-fold (anti-LOX ^V228-S279 antibody, anti-LOXL ^S355-D416 antibody). The immune complex was detected with a peroxidase-labeled anti-IgG rabbit (goat) antibody (Dako, Trap, France) using diaminobenzidine (Dako) as a substrate.

From the above, it is highly possible that LOXL is involved in the formation of elastic fibers in regenerative skin models (especially Mimeskin®).

Example 4
“Demonstration of the effects of LOXL2, LOXL3 and LOXL4 in the formation of elastic fibers”
The present invention also created two new anti-LOXL2 antibodies, one of which also theoretically recognizes LOXL3 and LOXL4. Using this, it was possible to determine whether these enzymes are expressed with elastin in the dermis in a regenerated skin model. As a result of immunohistochemical examination using the above-mentioned two types of anti-LOXL2 antibodies, these antigens and two antigenic related proteins, LOXL3 and LOXL4, were not expressed at all or hardly in the dermis, and therefore elastic. It was actually found that it was not involved in fiber formation.

Figure 4: in reconstructed skin (16 and 35, and 45 days later) and human foreskin skin section, anti ^{LOXL2 517-581} antibody (left column), and, theoretically LOXL2, LOXL3 and recognizes LOXL4 anti ^{LOXL2 664- 720} shows the results of the performed was immunodetection using antibodies (right column).

Anti-LOXL2 antibody was obtained as described above for the fusion peptide GST-LOXL2 (Decitre et al., Lab. Invest., 78, 143-151, 1998). The fusion gene GST- ^{LOXL2 517-581} was constructed as described above with the human LOXL2 gene (hLOXL2) sequence 1543-1747 introduced into the plasmid.

This fragment was prepared by PCR using the sense primer 5-GAGCTGGGATCCGCGCACTGCCC-3 '(SEQ ID NO: 32) and the antisense primer 5'-GGCTGAGGTCGACGAGGCAGTTCTCC-3' (SEQ ID NO: 33).

By introducing the corresponding hLOXL2 sequence using the sense primer 5′-CACAGGATCCGAAGGAGACATCATGAAG-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 34) and the antisense primer 5′-TTTCTGAGCTCCTGCATTTCATGATG-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 35), the fusion gene GST- LOXL2 ^664-720 was constructed.

The fusion protein and anti-rabbit antibody prepared against the above protein were prepared as described above. The antibody against the 517-580 peptide was called anti-LOXL2 antibody because this region is unique to LOXL2.

Antibodies against the 664-734 peptide were identified as anti-LOXL-R (“relevant”) because this region of LOXL2 is highly similar to LOXL3 and LOXL4 (approximately 74.6% and 60.5%, respectively). ) Antibody.

Regenerated skin after 16 days (RS-D16), 35 days (RS-D35) and 45 days (RS-D45) (Mimeskin®, Coletica, Lyon, France) and human foreskin skin As described above, the anti-LOXL2-R antibody and the anti-LOXL2 antibody were examined by immunohistochemical technique. It was found by anti-LOXL2 antibody that LOXL2 was expressed in the epidermis but not in the dermis. On the other hand, antibodies against the C-terminal region common to LOXL2, LOXL3 and LOXL4 can confirm that these enzymes are expressed in the epidermis, and these enzymes are slightly expressed in the dermis. It was found that it was not expressed in the part corresponding to the part forming the fiber.

Therefore, LOXL2, LOXL3 and LOXL4 are not involved in the formation of elastic fibers.

Example 5
"Demonstration of the action of LOXL in the formation of elastic fibers"
The binding of LOXL and LOX to elastic fibers or microfibrils was clearly demonstrated by the present invention using a transmission electron microscope.

LOXL and LOX bound to microfibrils constitute a scaffold on which elastin is deposited, but only LOX is associated with collagen fiber formation (see FIG. 5).

FIG. 5 shows the results of immunodetection of LOXL, LOX and elastin performed using transmission electron microscopy on the regenerated skin 30 days after the addition of corneocytes and the dermis of normal human skin.

Tissue was fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde dissolved in PBS buffer (containing 0.1% glutaraldehyde) for 3 hours at 4 ° C., and phosphate buffer (0.4 M sucrose-cacodylic acid and 0.2 M lysine). And then dehydrated in an ethanol solution and embedded in LR White (Euromedex, France). Detection was carried out using a primary antibody diluted 1/50 with Tris-HCl buffer (pH 8.2) and 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA). Immunocomplexes were detected using colloidal gold particle (10-20 nm) labeled anti-IgG rabbit antibody (Biocell, Tebu, France) diluted 40-fold. The sample was stained with a 3% aqueous solution of uranyl acetate and lead citrate and examined with a 1200EX transmission electron microscope manufactured by JEOL. This immunodetection was performed on regenerated skin (AD) and human foreskin skin (FI).

In the regenerated skin, the following antibodies were used: anti-LOXL antibody (A, B), anti-LOX antibody (C), anti-elastin antibody (Elm) (D), commercially available anti-elastin human antibody (Sigma, USA) ) Diluted 50 times and, as a negative control, no primary antibody in the dermis (Control) (E). Double labeling was performed on human foreskin skin (FI).

“AD”: immunodetection of LOXL, LOX and elastin using electron microscopy in the dermis of regenerated skin after 45 days.
“E”: Positive control using anti-elastin antibody and anti-collagen I antibody in the dermis of regenerated skin 45 days later, ie 30 days after addition of corneocytes.
“F and I”: Double immunodetection of LOXL, LOX, elastin and collagen using electron microscopy in the dermis part of human foreskin.
“G and H”: human foreskin using anti-LOXL rabbit antibody (anti-IgG rabbit antibody labeled with 10 nm gold particles) and anti-elastin mouse antibody (anti-IgG mouse antibody labeled with 20 nm gold particles) Double label in the dermis of
Symbols in the figure: m: microfibril, c: collagen fiber, e: amorphous elastin.
Scale bar: 500 nm.

LOXL (A, B) was detected in association with dense deposits or on microfibrils but not with collagen fibers appearing in white on the cross section. For LOX (C) labeling, gold particles were observed slightly associated with dense deposits, microfibrils and collagen, but the labeling was thin. Similarly, dense deposits and microfibrils were detected by anti-elastin antibody (D). Binding of LOXL and LOX to microfibrils and elastic fibers was confirmed using electron microscopy after immunodetection in human foreskin skin (G, H). Similar to the observations in the regenerated skin model, LOXL is not associated with collagen fibers and is the opposite of LOX (which is abundant with collagen fibers and rarely present on microfibrils). The antigen LOXL was bound to microfibrils and was detected around elastic fibers in human foreskin skin. LOXL is not associated with amorphous elastin that extends around microfibrils, but is mainly observed around microfibrils and is not associated with collagen fibers.

LOXL is bound to elastic fibers in regenerative skin models and human foreskin skin.

Example 6
“Demonstration of the relationship between the expression of LOXL and elastic fiber formation”
LOXL and LOX are expressed in the dermis of foreskin skin taken from a young patient (a few months old) who still has high elastin synthesis. LOXL is not expressed in the dermis of adult neck, chest, abdomen or facial skin, whereas LOX is expressed in the dermis at any age (FIG. 6).

FIG. 6 shows the results of immunodetection in human skin of LOX and LOXL.
Foreskin (A, B) provided by tissue bank of Ed Earl Hospital (Lyon, France) using anti-LOX antibody (A, C, E, G) and anti-LOXL antibody (B, D, F, H), LOX and LOXL expression was detected in skin samples from the neck (C, D), breast (E, F) and abdomen (G, H). These tissues were fixed with a Buan reagent, embedded in paraffin, and immunodetection was performed in the same manner as described above.

It was confirmed in infants and adults that LOXL was not detected in the skin dermis of the neck, chest, abdomen and face (FIG. 7: belly).

FIG. 7 shows the results of immunodetection of LOX and LOXL in abdominal skin collected from people of different ages.
1.5 years old (A, B), 35 years old, provided by the tissue bank of Ed Earlier Hospital using anti-LOX antibodies (A, C, E, G) and anti-LOXL antibodies (B, D, F, H) Expression of LOX and LOXL was detected in samples of abdominal skin taken from (C, D), 60 years old (E, F) and 91 years old (G, H). These tissues were fixed with a Buan reagent, embedded in paraffin, and immunodetection was performed in the same manner as described above.

In this experiment, it was observed that LOX and LOXL were highly expressed in human skin epidermis, and the expression of these two enzymes lasted very long (91 years) (FIG. 7).

For scars, LOXL and LOX were not observed in scar tissue after 3 months and 5 years. It should be noted that elastin was immunodetected in the scar after 3 months and not detected in the scar after 5 years (FIG. 8).

FIG. 8: LOX and LOXL show the results of immunodetection in the skin of scar tissue with different elapsed time after treatment.
Using anti-LOX antibodies (A, D, G), anti-elastin antibodies (B, E, H) and anti-LOXL antibodies (C, F, I), around the scar on the neck skin of a 17-year-old patient (“normal” Part, A to C), the expression of LOX, elastin and LOXL in samples after 3 months (DF) and 5 years (G, H) after treatment was detected. These tissues were fixed with a Buan reagent, embedded in paraffin, and immunodetection was performed in the same manner as described above. The labeling of elastin requires demasking with 0.2% hyaluronidase (Sigma).

By means of the above examples, the present invention has revealed that: (i) LOXL is definitely involved in the formation of elastic fibers in the regenerated skin model and in the foreskin of young patients, and (Ii) LOXL is not really expressed in human dermis and scar of different ages. Thus, LOXL is actually the only lysyl oxidase isoform that can crosslink functional elastic fibers and is missing when elastic fiber crosslinking is required to form functional fibers. In addition, LOX that may be involved in the formation of elastic fibers is not deficient in adult skin.

Example 7
"Research on pre-transcriptional control of LOXL gene"
Furthermore, the present invention revealed that the human LOXL gene (hLOXL) may be activated at the promoter level (FIG. 9). SEQ ID NO: 3 describes the nucleotide from −2730 to −1 of the sequence of this promoter. Several activation regions of the hLOXL promoter were revealed. In particular, the region of nucleotides -712 / -391 (the number when the translation of the LOXL gene starts from +1) is the reporter gene luciferase expressed after transfer-type transfection in human foreskin skin fibroblasts. This is a region having up-regulating activity.

Since we previously demonstrated that changes in the expression of hLOXL can be tracked simultaneously at the gene and / or protein level, pre-transcriptional up-regulation of the LOXL gene can activate the synthesis of this gene and thus this gene It can be shown that the synthesis of hLOXL protein corresponding to can be activated. This has also been demonstrated for LOX (Decitre et al., Lab. Invest., 78, 143-151, 1998).

As a result of studying the nuclear sequence PrLOXL using the software Transfac (R) on the Internet, the present inventors were able to identify a site presumed to be controlled by a nuclear factor. These factors have been correlated with cytokines or other effectors known to act on the transcription of specific genes via these transcription factors. The most interesting sites are shown in FIG. This scheme summarizes this study: two sites presumed to be retinoic acid response sites, two sites presumed to be TGF-β response sites, one site presumed to be EGF response sites, and estrogen response sites 3 sites presumed to be and 2 sites presumed to be glucocorticoid response sites. Since the control region has been studied, the present inventors have identified several sites that may be able to control the transcription of the LOXL gene. These are presumed to be elements that respond to retinoic acid, TGF-β, EGF and glucocorticoids. In the absence of these elements, the promoter activity is reduced by about 50% and 60%, respectively, so that the region corresponding to the site presumed to be controlled by retinoic acid and estrogen actually activates transcription. It seems to be effective. The regulatory site by TGF-β appears to reduce promoter activity.

The tool described above can be used for screening for an active ingredient having an agonistic action or an antagonistic action on the hLOXL promoter, particularly on a site presumed to be a recognition site.

Therefore, it is advantageous to look for an active ingredient that has a region that hybridizes to at least a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the hLOXL promoter or a region that induces an effector protein having this property.

"Functional analysis of hLOXL gene promoter"
The promoter of the human LOXL gene (PrhLOXL) was identified by the sequence of the database. Since the transcription start position was not known, we assigned the number from +1 to be translated. However, the EST (expression sequence tag) cDNA corresponding to this region was searched, but no upstream sequence was obtained from -342, so that transcription of the hLOXL gene is started from this region (not including the TATA box). Can be assumed. Specific primers are shown at positions -1722 to +189 on this sequence (exon 1). By using this primer, PrhLOXL could be amplified and isolated from human genomic DNA derived from dermal fibroblasts. When this was cloned and sequenced, it was found that the sequence matched that expected. Subsequently, the promoter located at -1722-1 (which is known to be full-length) can be subcloned into pGL3-basic vector (Promega, Charbonnier, France) for use in eukaryotic studies. did it. This promoter was incorporated upstream of the luciferase gene, which is a reporter gene. Thereby, the production of luciferase by the transfected cells is controlled by PrhLOXL and is proportional to its activity. Cells were co-transfected with a promoter that expresses β-galactosidase (β-Gal) with high reproducibility to provide a standard for results. Luciferase and β-Gal enzyme activities were measured under the same conditions.

PrhLOXL was gradually shortened (5 'deletion), and the action of the extracted region was examined. To examine the regulation of PrhLOXL in human skin fibroblasts, the cells were transfected. Transfection of cell lines is easy but transfection of normal fibroblasts is very difficult. Therefore, Superfect (R) (Qiagen, Courtaboeuf, France) capable of transfecting about 40% of cultured fibroblasts was used.

The activity in the construct and foreskin fibroblasts is shown in FIG. We identified the location of three large transcriptional activation regions and two inhibition regions. For example, the -712 → −391 region has a very high activation effect (construct of −391 → −1) since the promoter activity is markedly reduced when the region is removed. This study allowed us to identify areas to investigate to stimulate PrhLOXL transcription.

In particular, FIG. 9 shows the correlation between the sequence of the promoter PrhLOXL and the luciferase / β-galactosidase activity. From this figure, the definition of promoter activation region and inhibition region in human foreskin skin fibroblasts can be easily understood.

By shortening the 5 ′ end of PrhLOXL one after another, seven constructs were obtained in which the sequence of the promoter located upstream of the reporter gene luciferase was shortened: pLL-2172, pLL-2002, pLL-1438. PLL-712, pLL-391, pLL-81. These constructs were transfected into human foreskin skin fibroblasts and luciferase activity was measured. In parallel, a plasmid having a β-galactosidase gene (under the control of the promoter SV40) was transfected into the cells and used as a control for the transfection effect. The luciferase activity (indicating the activity of the hLOXL promoter sequence) relative to β-galactosidase activity (indicating transfection effect) is shown as the final value. Based on the evaluation of these activities, three activation regions represented by + (− 2172 → −2002; −1438 → −968; −712 → −391) and − (− 2002 → −1438; −968 → −712) are obtained. Several control regions of the promoter including two inhibitory regions represented by) were identified. The promoter of -80 → -1 has no activity and is located downstream from +1 of the transcribed region. +1 of the transcribed region is estimated to correspond to a position of −342 from the translation start position.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a promoter of the hLOXL gene, and particularly shows a position presumed to be a transcriptional control position of the hLOXL gene. A region indicated by “+” corresponds to a region that activates gene expression, and a region indicated by “−” corresponds to a region that inhibits this expression.

Example 8
"Demonstration of LOXL activation by introduction of corneocytes in regenerative skin model"
Expression of the gene encoding LOXL was detected by performing in situ hybridization between a messenger RNA encoding LOXL and a digoxigenin-labeled double-stranded DNA probe in a paraffin-embedded section.
In FIG. 11 showing the skin model cross section (Mimeskin®) after 35 days,
(A) LOXL expression is positive across the deep dermis and the entire epidermis.
(B) LOX expression is positive throughout the dermis and in the upper epidermis.
(C) Expression of tropoelastin (TE) is found in dermal fibroblasts and epidermis.
(D) Expression of the gene COL1A1 (collagen α1 (I)) is detected in the dermis but not in the epidermis.
(E) Control without probe.
DEJ is indicated by an open arrow, porous dermal matrix is indicated by an arrow, and positive cells are indicated by an arrow tip.

Double stranded DNA probes were made by PCR. The following primers were used respectively.
Sense 5'-GTGGAGAGTACACTGGATTG-3 '(SEQ ID NO: 14) and antisense 5'-TCGTGCAGCCATCGACAG-3' (SEQ ID NO: 15) are included in the gene for Iα1 collagen, and sense 5'-GTATATACCCAGTGGGCGTG-3 '(in the tropoelastin). SEQ ID NO: 10) and antisense 5′-CGAACTTTGCTGGCTGCTTTTAG-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 11), hLOX is sense 5′-GGTGGGCCGACCCCTACTACCATCC-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 12) and antisense 5′-GCAAATCGCCCTCTGGTAGCCATAGTC-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 11) 13), hLOXL includes sense 5′-GACATACACCGACGTGAGCC-3 ′ (SEQ ID NO: 8) and antisense 5′-ATCCACGTTC CTCCCTGAG-3 'was used (SEQ ID NO: 9).

DNA was amplified using Taq polymerase (Promega, Charbonniere, France) and Dig-11-dUTP (Roche Diagnostics, Meylan, France) as labeled nucleotides. Agarose gel electrophoresis was then performed and DNA was purified using a QIAquick extraction kit (Qiagen, Courtaboeuf, France). Thereafter, in situ hybridization was performed on the section embedded in paraffin. Paraffin was removed from the sample and treated with 2 μg / ml proteinase K (Roche) at 20 ° C. for 15 minutes. Endogenous peroxidase was inhibited as directed by the TSA ⁺ amplification kit (NEN, Boston, USA). Prehybridization was performed at 37 ° C. for 2 hours with 20 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) (50% deionized formamide, 2 × SSC (sodium citrate), EDTA (5 mM), 2.5 × Denhart solution, 200 μg / in denatured herring DNA, 1 mg / ml salmon semen DNA, and tRNA (10 mg / ml). Hybridization was performed at 37 ° C. for 16 hours with 20 mM phosphate buffer (50% deionized formamide, 2 × SSC, EDTA (5 mM), 2.5 × Denhart solution, 200 μg / ml denatured herring semen DNA, and 10% sulfuric acid. (Including dextran). As the modified probe, those treated for 5 minutes in a boiling water bath and those not treated were used. After hybridization, sections were washed in 2 × SSC / 50% formamide, 1 × SSC / 50% formamide, 1 × SSC, and 0.5 × SSC at 20 ° C. (37 ° C. for collagen). After drying, digoxigenin-labeled hybrids were detected using horseradish peroxidase-labeled anti-DIG antibody (Roche). This complex was finally detected using a TSA ⁺ amplification kit (NEN). A positive signal corresponds to the activity of alkaline phosphatase. This activity is defined as the activity after 2 hours at room temperature based on the amplification procedure of the TSA kit, and can be seen by precipitation of a tetrazolium salt (using nitroblue tetrazolium / bromochloroindolyl phosphate (NBT / BCIP) as a substrate).

In the present invention, as a result of tracing mRNA expression by in situ hybridization, LOXL gene and LOX gene were activated by adding keratinocytes to a regenerated skin model (Mimeskin®, Coleta, Lyon, France). It can be seen that there is a possibility that. (FIG. 11).

The synthesis of LOXL is induced in association with the synthesis of tropoelastin (6 days after adding keratinocytes to the equivalent of the dermis).

The LOX gene is also activated simultaneously with the collagen Iα1 gene (Col1A1) after the addition of keratinocytes.

Example 9
“Demonstration of LOX gene expression reduction in adult fibroblasts”
We have 5 strains of fibroblasts derived from foreskin (FF) (from infants) and 6 strains of adult fibroblasts (AF) collected during abdominal plastic surgery (of which 3 The average age is 20 years old, and the average age of the remaining 3 people is 60 years old). The expression of the above three genes of interest and actin were examined by real-time RT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, FIG. 12). According to this method, the expression of a gene can be accurately quantified in comparison with the expression of actin (which is assumed to be constant). Therefore, control of the expression level of this gene can be quantified.

First, the results shown in FIG. 12 show that LOXL mRNA synthesis is significantly and statistically significantly reduced in adult fibroblasts, particularly adult fibroblasts in the 20s, by nearly 70% compared to foreskin fibroblasts. However, the synthesis of elastin mRNA shows no significant difference with age. This data is consistent with previous reports on elastin since this result does not appear to be due to inhibition of the activity of the elastin gene if the elastic tissue is degraded and not exchanged.

The synthesis of LOX mRNA in AF is reduced by an average of 40% relative to FF, but this change is less important due to individual differences.

Total RNA was purified using the “SV96 Total RNA Isolation System” kit (Promega, Charbonnier, France). The purified RNA was dissolved in 100 μl of RNase-free water (Promega, Charbonnier, France) and measured, and then dispensed into plates (96 wells, 10 μl each (total RNA by PCR: 5 ng / μl)). The primers used in this experiment are as shown in Table I below.

Real-time RT-PCR was performed on wells containing mRNA in a thermal cycler manufactured by OPTICON using the “Quant Tect SYBR Green RT-PCR” kit (Qiagen, France) for amplification cycles. After carrying out a reverse transcription (RT) reaction at 50 ° C. for 30 minutes and then maintaining at 95 ° C. for 15 minutes, the reverse transcriptase is inhibited, the polymerase is activated, and the resulting complementary DNA (cDNA) is denatured. It was. Thereafter, 50 cycles of chain polymerization (PCR) were carried out (94 ° C. for 15 seconds, 60 ° C. for 30 seconds, 72 ° C. for 30 seconds). At the end of each cycle, the amount of fluorescence proportional to the number of amplified fragments was read. The expression level was expressed as the ratio of the expression level of each gene to actin.

Although the above study reveals the involvement of LOXL in the formation of elastic fibers and its disappearance in adult skin, the following points of the present invention are the LOXL gene and LOX gene in fibroblasts of different ages. And the expression level of the elastin gene.

The above examples show that LOXL gene and product synthesis by LOX gene may be activated at the gene level. The synthesis of LOXL and tropoelastin mRNA is simultaneously activated in regenerated skin. When the LOXL gene and the tropoelastin gene are activated, elastic fibers can be formed. By screening active ingredients, it is possible to identify molecules capable of reinducing the expression of the elastin gene and the LOXL gene at the same time, and to stimulate the formation of elastic fibers.

In conclusion, according to the present invention, LOXL and elastic fibers are directly related to each other, LOXL is important for the formation of elastic fibers in regenerated skin, and tissues in which functional elastic fibers are not synthesized (adult tissues, scars). ) Shows that there is no LOXL. The present invention specifically screens for the detection of novel molecules capable of simultaneously inducing the synthesis of LOXL and elastin with the aim of reinducing the expression of functional elastic fibers in regenerated skin, skin biopsy and human skin. Regarding the method.

Example 10
"Analysis of LOXL and / or elastin messenger RNA expression (eg, by qualitative RT-PCR, with or without contact with an active ingredient to be tested for activity)"
The active ingredient was tested against fibroblasts from normal human skin (from infant foreskin or adults) at a concentration of 1% (v / v). The culture was performed, for example, in a well-known serum-free medium (Fibroblast Basal Medium) in a single layer in a 24-well culture plate. For example, 40,000 cells were seeded per cm ² . When confluent, the cells were contacted with the active ingredient, preferably for 24 hours. Advantageously, in parallel, one untreated control (medium only) and three positive controls (1 ng / ml TGF-β, 50 pg / ml IL-1α, and 2% (v / v) Phytokine. (R) (Coretica, Lyon, France) was also tested, for example, in the same culture plate.

Pre-tested for 1 ng / ml of TGF-β and 50 pg / ml of IL-1α, it was shown that stimulation of elastin mRNA synthesis was induced by two cytokines at this concentration, mRNA analysis, eg quantitative RT-PCR (10 times for TGF-β, 6 times for IL-1α). After contacting the active ingredient with the cells (for example, 24 hours later), the medium was removed, and the cells were washed, for example, in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and lyophilized at −80 ° C. and stored. Total RNA was extracted (eg, using a 96-well extraction kit with a silica column) and measured with a 96-well spectrophotometer at 260 nm (purity indicator: protein measurement at 280 nm). The RNA is diluted, for example to 5 ng / μl. One-step qualitative RT-PCR was performed in 96-well plates using, for example, 50 ng of initial RNA for the actin gene, elastin gene, LOX gene and LOXL gene. Specific primers for each gene were used at 0.5 μM, for example.

-Sense elastin gene: 1Ela 5'-GTA TAT ACC CAG GTG GCG TG-3 '(SEQ ID NO: 24);
-Antisense elastin gene: 2Ela 5'-CGA ACT TTG CTG CTG CTG CTT TAG-3 '(SEQ ID NO: 25);
-Sense LOXL gene: 30L1 5'-GAC TTC GGC AAC CTC AAG C-3 '(SEQ ID NO: 26);
-Antisense LOXL gene: 31L1 5'-TGT TGC AGA AAC GTA GCG AC-3 '(SEQ ID NO: 27);
-Sense LOX gene: Ox64 5'-ACG TAC GTG CAG AAG ATG TCC-3 '(SEQ ID NO: 28);
-Antisense LOX gene: Ox65 5'-GGC TGG GTA AGA AAT CTG ATG-3 '(SEQ ID NO: 29);
-Sense actin gene: actin U 5'-GTGGGGCGCCCCAGGCACCA-3 (SEQ ID NO: 30);
-Antisense actin gene: D 5'-CTCCTTAATGTCACGCACGATTTC-3 '(SEQ ID NO: 31)

Advantageously, the amplification parameters were as follows: 48 ° C., 30 minutes: 94 ° C., 2 minutes: (94 ° C., 30 seconds; 60 ° C., 30 seconds; 68 ° C., 30 seconds) 28 cycles for actin, 30 cycles for LOXL, 32 cycles for LOX, and elastin 34 cycles: 68 ° C, 10 minutes: 14 ° C, infinite. After amplification, the products were mixed at a ratio of, for example, (actin amplification product 3 μl + elastin gene amplification product 5 μl + LOX gene amplification product 5 μl + LOXL gene amplification product 5 μl). Loading buffer (2 μl) was added and the entire volume (20 μl) was loaded onto a pre-filled agarose gel (Invitrogen, France) (eg 2%). The present inventors visualized the expression level by a method known to those skilled in the art (for example, the band of the sample after electrophoresis was visualized under ultraviolet light in a dark room (15 minutes) and digitally photographed). Gel photographs were image-analyzed and the intensity of the bands was quantified (Phoretrix 1D, France). The expression levels of elastin gene, LOX gene and LOXL gene are shown as a percentage of the value in the negative control (no treatment).

<Interpretation of results>
"Young" and "mature" cells
Foreskin cells express elastin-encoding mRNA at the same level as the average amount in adults, but in the case of the expression level of mRNA encoding LOXL and mRNA encoding LOX, the expression level in foreskin is You can see that there are so many. Therefore, since the decrease in the expression of LOXL in the aged cells (and consequently the decrease in the expression of LOX) can be increased, the component having such activity was screened.

"Screening of active ingredients"
The amount of cDNA in each test was compared with the amount of actin cDNA, followed by comparison with a negative control (no active ingredient). From preliminary experiments, it was considered important to increase elastin (Eln) mRNA by about 1.3-fold and increase LOXL mRNA by about 2-fold. Of over 900 molecules or active extracts tested, 13 active ingredients met this criterion at the concentrations tested and under the conditions specified. These active ingredients are as shown in Table II below.

Plants in water / (alcohol, glycol or polyol) mixtures (glycols such as ethanol, glycerin and butylene glycol, xylitol, etc.) at a concentration of 2 to 5% (w / w) at a concentration of 100/0 to 0/100 A plant extract was obtained by soaking. The obtained extract was filtered or distilled to recover the soluble fraction, and further filtered under aseptic conditions. The chemical substance was provided by Sigma (St. Louis, USA), and was used after diluting or dispersing to a concentration of 1% with alcohol or glycol.

<Conclusion>
Of the 960 active ingredients in the active ingredient bank, 13 of the genes encoding LOXL, LOX and elastin in the abdominal fibroblasts of mature adults (in this case the donor is 63 years old) under the test conditions The synthesis amount of mRNA could be remarkably activated.

Example 11
“Research on the effectiveness of cosmetic or dermatological active ingredients (eg by real-time RT-PCR)”
The active ingredients selected in the first stage of the screening were tested against normal human (adult) skin fibroblasts at varying concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 5% (v / v). Culturing was performed, for example, in a well-known serum-free medium (Fibroblast Basal Medium) in a single layer in a 24-well plate. For example, 40,000 cells were seeded per cm ² . After contacting the active ingredient with the cells (after 24 hours), the medium was removed, and the cells were washed, for example, in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and lyophilized at -80 ° C and stored. After the test, the amounts of elastin, LOXL and actin mRNA were evaluated by mRNA analysis, for example, real-time RT-PCR. In order to perform this evaluation, the above-mentioned primer pairs that can amplify fragments specific to these genes were used (Example 10).

RNA was extracted (eg, using a 96-well extraction kit with a silica column), measured with a 96-well spectrophotometer at 260 nm, and then diluted (eg, 5 ng / μl). RT-PCR reaction (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) was performed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR using the “Opticon” system (MJ Research). Advantageously, the reaction mixture (50 μl) added to the wells was as follows for each sample:
-10 μl of RNA at a concentration of 5 ng / μl,
Various desired labeled specific primers,
-Reaction mixture (Qiagen, 2 x "QuantiTect SYBR Green RT-PCR master mix" (containing 5 mM MgCl ₂ ) 25 μl + “QuantiTect RTmix” 0.5 μl), labeled SYBR Green I was inserted into the DNA double strand during the extension process .

“Advantageously, RT-PCR was performed under the following conditions”
Reverse transcription: 30 minutes at 50 ° C, then 15 minutes at 95 ° C.
PCR reaction: 50 cycles of (94 ° C., 15 seconds; 60 ° C., 30 seconds; 72 ° C., 30 seconds).
Confirmation of the absence of contamination and confirmation of the purity of the amplified product were performed by, for example, a melting curve of the amplified PCR product. Products showing double peaks or unusual melting temperatures were removed.

“Analysis and Calculation Methods”
The amount of fluorescence incorporated into the amplified DNA was measured continuously during the PCR cycle. Thereby, a curve of the fluorescence amount with respect to the number of PCR cycles was obtained, and the relative amount of the amplified DNA could be examined.

All of the above results were compared to the << actin >> signal used as a housekeeping gene to take into account the cell number. From the experiment, the measurement threshold value (= cycle threshold value) of C (T) was fixed between T = 0.05 and 0.01, and an arbitrary measurement unit was calculated by the following formula for each gene.
Sgene << x >> = 10 ⁷ × (1/2) ^{C (T) gene <<} x ^>>
C (T) gene << x >> represents the number of cycles necessary for the cycle threshold of gene << x >> to be 0.01 to 0.05.
This value for the gene to be examined was compared to the << actin >> signal by the following ratio.
R = Sgene << x >> / S actin This ratio was compared between the treated and untreated samples. << x >> is a LOXL gene or an elastin gene.

<Result>
The results for two of the selected active ingredients are shown in Table III as examples.

<Conclusion>
The selected active ingredient was able to activate the synthesis amount of mRNA of genes encoding LOXL, LOX and elastin in the abdominal fibroblasts of adults of mature age (in this case, the donor was 63 years old). This study allowed us to determine the optimal use concentration for each selected active ingredient.

For Examples 1-11: Those skilled in the art will know suitable methods for making compositions in which the compositions (formulations) described herein are varied.

Example 12
"Use of the product of the invention in the formulation of an oil-in-water emulsion type cosmetic or pharmaceutical"
<Prescription 12a>
A water qsp100
Butylene glycol 2
Glycerin 3
Sodium dihydroxycetyl phosphate, 2
Isopropyl hydroxycetyl ether B glycol stearate SE 14
Triisononaoin 5
(Triisononaoine)
Palm oil fatty acid octyl 6
C adjusted to pH 5.5 2
Butylene glycol,
Methylparaben,
Ethylparaben, propylparaben D Product of the invention 0.01-10%

<Prescription 12b>
A water qsp100
Butylene glycol 2
Glycerin 3
Polyacrylamide, 2.8
Isoparaffin, Laureth-7
B Butylene glycol, 2
Methylparaben,
Ethylparaben, propylparaben;
2
Phenoxyethanol,
Methylparaben,
Propylparaben,
Butyl paraben,
Ethylparaben 0.5
Butylene glycol D Product of the invention 0.01-10%

<Prescription 12c>
A Carbomer 0.50
Propylene glycol 3
Glycerin 5
Water qsp100
B Palm oil fatty acid octyl 5
Bisabolol 0.30
Dimethicone 0.30
C Sodium hydroxide 1.60
D Phenoxyethanol, 0.50
Methylparaben,
Propylparaben, butylparaben,
Ethylparaben E Fragrance 0.30
F Product of the invention 0.01-10%

Example 13
"Use of products of the invention in water-in-oil formulations"
A PEG30-dipolyhydroxystearic acid 3
Capric acid triglyceride 3
Cetearyl octoate 4
Dibutyl adipate 3
Grape seed oil 1.5
Jojoba oil 1.5
Phenoxyethanol, 0.5
Methylparaben, propylparaben,
Butylparaben, ethylparaben B Glycerin 3
Butylene glycol 3
Magnesium sulfate 0.5
EDTA 0.05
Water qsp100
C Cyclomethicone 1
Dimethicone 1
D Fragrance 0.3
E Product of the invention 0.01-10%

Example 14
"Use of the products of the invention in shampoo or body soap formulations"
A Xanthan gum 0.8
Water qsp100
B Butylene glycol, 0.5
Methylparaben,
Ethylparaben, propylparaben phenoxyethanol, 0.5
Methylparaben,
Propylparaben, butylparaben,
Ethylparaben C citric acid 0.8
D Sodium laureth sulfate 40.0
E Product of the invention 0.01-10%

Example 15
"Use of products of the present invention in formulations of anhydrous products such as lipsticks"
A mineral wax 17.0
Isostearyl isostearate 31.5
Propylene glycol dipelargon 2.6
(Propylene glycol dipelargonate)
Propylene glycol isostearate 1.7
PEG-8 beeswax 3.0
Hydrogenated palm kernel fatty acid glycerides, 3.4
Hydrogenated palm oil fatty acid glyceride Lanolin oil 3.4
Sesame oil 1.7
Cetyl lactate 1.7
Mineral oil, lanolin alcohol 3.0
B castor oil qsp100
Titanium dioxide 3.9
CI 15850: 1 0.616
CI 45410: 1 0.256
CI 19140: 1 0.048
CI 77491 2.048
C Product of the invention 0.01-5%

Example 16
“Use of products of the present invention in the formulation of aqueous gels (eyeliners, slimming agents, etc.)”
A water qsp100
Carbomer 0.5
Butylene glycol 15
Phenoxyethanol, 0.5
Methylparaben,
Propylparaben, butylparaben,
Ethylparaben B Product of the invention 0.01-10%

Example 17
“Preparation of prescriptions for pharmaceuticals containing LOXL”
<Prescription 17a> Preparation of tablets A excipient g unit, 1 tablet Lactose 0.359
Sucrose 0.240
B LOXL extract ^* 0.001
(LOXL extract ^* is obtained, for example, by extraction as described in Example 2 and then drying.)

<Prescription 17b> Preparation of ointment A Excipient Low density polyethylene 5.5
Liquid paraffin qsp100
B LOXL extract ^* 0.001-0.1
(The LOXL extract ^* is obtained, for example, by extracting as described in Example 2 and then drying if necessary.)

<Prescription 17c> Preparation of injection formulation A excipient isotonic saline 5 ml
B LOXL extract ^* 0.001-0.1g
(LOXL extract ^* is obtained, for example, by extraction as described in Example 2 and then drying.)
Wrap Phase A and Phase B separately in ampoules and mix before use.

Example 18
"Evaluation of cosmetic acceptability of the preparation containing the product of the present invention"
The toxicity of the compound obtained in Examples 10 and 11 mixed with 0.5% xanthan gum at a rate of 10% was confirmed to be abnormal when an oral irritation test was conducted in a rabbit and once administered orally to a rat. It was examined by a test and a sensitization test in a guinea pig.

“Evaluation of primary irritation in rabbit skin”
The above formulations were administered in 0.5 ml aliquots to the skin of 3 rabbits according to the OECD recommended method for the study of “Acute Irritation / Corrosion to Skin”.

The products were classified according to the criteria defined in the February 1, 1982 resolution published in the official newspaper of the French Republic on February 21, 1982 ("JORF").

From the above test results, it can be seen that the preparation containing the substance obtained in Example 11 is classified as having no irritation to the skin.

"Eye irritation test in rabbits"
In the pure state of the above formulation according to the method officially recommended by the OECD Directive 405 on February 24, 1987 for the study of << acute eye irritation / corrosion >> It was dripped in 3 eyes.
From the results of this study, these formulations are considered non-irritating to the eye in the sense of EEC 91/326 when used in the pure state or undiluted.

"Confirmation test that there is no abnormal toxicity after single oral administration to rats"
The above formulation was orally administered in a single dose of 5 g / kg body weight to 5 male rats and 5 female rats according to the protocol applied to cosmetics inspired by OECD Directive No. 401 of February 24, 1987 did.
LD0 and LD50 have been found to be 5000 mg / kg or higher. Therefore, the tested formulations are not classified as formulations that are dangerous for oral consumption.

"Potential skin sensitization test in guinea pigs"
The above-mentioned preparation was subjected to a Magnusson-Kligmann maximum test, which is a protocol according to the OECD No. 406 directive.
These formulations are classified as non-sensitizing on contact with the skin.

Description of described sequences SEQ ID NO: 1: Peptide sequence of human protein LOXL.
SEQ ID NO: 2 is the nucleotide sequence of cDNA encoding the human protein LOXL described in SEQ ID NO: 1.
SEQ ID NO: 3 is the nucleotide sequence of cDNA encoding the promoter of the human gene encoding the protein LOXL described in SEQ ID NO: 1.
SEQ ID NO: 4: Peptide sequence of human protein tropoelastin.
SEQ ID NO: 5: nucleotide sequence of cDNA encoding the human protein tropoelastin described in SEQ ID NO: 4.
SEQ ID NO: 6 is the peptide sequence of human protein LOX.
SEQ ID NO: 7: nucleotide sequence of cDNA encoding the human protein LOX described in SEQ ID NO: 6.

Regarding the double-stranded DNA probe, it is a sense primer for DNA encoding human protein LOXL described in SEQ ID NO: 8: SEQ ID NO: 1.
SEQ ID NO: 9: antisense primer of DNA encoding human protein LOXL described in SEQ ID NO: 1.
SEQ ID NO: 10: sense primer for DNA encoding the human protein tropoelastin described in SEQ ID NO: 4.
SEQ ID NO: 11: antisense primer of DNA encoding human protein tropoelastin described in SEQ ID NO: 4.
SEQ ID NO: 12: sense primer for DNA encoding human protein LOX set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6
SEQ ID NO: 13: antisense primer of DNA encoding human protein LOX described in SEQ ID NO: 6.
SEQ ID NO: 14: sense primer for DNA encoding human protein collagen Iα1L
SEQ ID NO: 15: antisense primer for DNA encoding human protein collagen Iα1L

Regarding the fusion gene GST, it is a sense primer of DNA of SEQ ID NO: 16: fusion gene GST S355-D415.
Sequence number 17: It is an antisense primer of DNA of fusion gene GST S355-D415.
SEQ ID NO: 18: sense primer for DNA of fusion gene GST G128-L212
Sequence number 19: It is an antisense primer of DNA of fusion gene GST G128-L212.
SEQ ID NO: 20: sense primer for DNA of fusion gene GST V228-S279
SEQ ID NO: 21: antisense primer for DNA of fusion gene GST V228-S279
SEQ ID NO: 22: sense primer for DNA of fusion gene GST D306-N373
Sequence number 23: It is an antisense primer of DNA of fusion gene GST D306-N373.

The PCR primer is an RT-PCR sense primer for mRNA encoding the human protein tropoelastin described in SEQ ID NO: 24: SEQ ID NO: 4.
SEQ ID NO: 25: RT-PCR antisense primer for mRNA encoding the human protein tropoelastin described in SEQ ID NO: 4.
SEQ ID NO: 26: RT-PCR sense primer for mRNA encoding human protein LOXL described in SEQ ID NO: 1.
SEQ ID NO: 27: antisense primer for mRNA sequence encoding human protein LOXL described in SEQ ID NO: 1.
SEQ ID NO: 28: RT-PCR sense primer for mRNA encoding human protein LOX described in SEQ ID NO: 6.
SEQ ID NO: 29: RT-PCR antisense primer for mRNA encoding the human protein LOX described in SEQ ID NO: 6.
SEQ ID NO: 30: RT-PCR sense primer for mRNA encoding human protein actin.
SEQ ID NO: 31: RT-PCR antisense primer for mRNA encoding human protein actin.

Regarding the fusion gene GST, it is a sense primer of DNA of SEQ ID NO: 32: fusion gene GST 517-581.
Sequence number 33: It is an antisense primer of DNA of fusion gene GST 517-581.
SEQ ID NO: 34: sense primer for DNA of fusion gene GST 664-720
SEQ ID NO: 35: antisense primer for DNA of fusion gene GST 664-720

Claims (10)

A substance for cosmetic care of human skin cells,
The cosmetic care consists of stimulating the formation of functional elastic fibers,
The substance is selected from the lysyl oxidase-like isoform (also referred to as LOXL) described in SEQ ID NO: 1, or a component that promotes the activity or expression of LOXL,
A substance selected from the group consisting of inondo, currant, cardamom, black radish, box holly, asafetida gum, ethyl hexenoate, methyl butyrate, and ethyl decadienate. The expression of LOXL is either the expression of a nucleotide sequence encoding LOXL or the expression of a peptide sequence that forms part of the protein LOXL, wherein the peptide sequence is selected from SEQ ID NO: 1. The substance according to claim 1. The substance according to claim 1, wherein the substance is a cosmetic substance. The said substance is combined with the substance which stimulates the expression of protein elastin for stimulating the expression of protein elastin or stimulating formation of an elastic fiber, It is any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Substance. The substance is a region that binds to at least a part of the nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 3) of the promoter (Pr) of the human LOXL gene, or at least one of the nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 3) of the promoter (Pr) of the human LOXL gene. The substance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a region that changes expression of a protein that binds to the region. 6. In order to induce new formation of elastic fibers in the tissue, to stimulate the elasticity of the resulting tissue and to reduce skin wrinkles. The substance according to any one of the above. To resist tissue sagging, or to resist tissue sagging observed during aging or sun exposure, or to increase the density of the extracellular matrix, or to tighten subcutaneous tissue Or to reduce skin wrinkles or to exert an anti-wrinkle effect, to improve scars and keloid wounds due to malnutrition, or to improve the quality of scar tissue and the appearance of scars The substance according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the substance is used for the purpose of resisting the stretched line. An active ingredient selected from the group consisting of inondo, currant, cardamom, black radish, box holly, asafetida gum, ethyl hexenoate, methyl butyrate, and ethyl decadienate, as needed Accordingly, a cosmetic composition comprising a mixture with a cosmetically acceptable excipient. An active ingredient selected from the group consisting of inondo, currant, cardamom, black radish, box holly, asafetida gum, ethyl hexenoate, methyl butyrate, and ethyl decadienate, as needed Accordingly, a nutritional supplement composition comprising a mixture with excipients acceptable to foods. An active ingredient selected from the group consisting of inondo, currant, cardamom, black radish, box holly, asafetida gum, ethyl hexenoate, methyl butyrate, and ethyl decadienate, as needed Accordingly, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a mixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.