Skin ‘clock’ holds key to wrinkles

Scientists at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Spain looked at cells from human skin at various times of day and found that the activity of certain genes peaked at different times.

Scientists at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Spain looked at cells from human skin at various times of day and found that the activity of certain genes peaked at different times.

Published Nov 19, 2013

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London - Our skin cells have an internal clock that might help protect them from sun damage, a new study suggests.

Scientists at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Spain looked at cells from human skin at various times of day and found that the activity of certain genes peaked at different times.

Genes involved in protecting the skin against damaging sunlight were most active during the daytime, as were those involved in cell replication and growth.

Genes that encourage the production of different types of skin cells are most active in the evening and atnight.

The researchers suggest that disruption to the skin “clock” could lead to premature ageing and they are trying to identify what might cause this to happen and how to prevent it. - Daily Mail

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