Evaluation of Anti-aging Compounds Using the Promoters of Elastin and Fibrillin-1 Genes Combined with a Secreted Alkaline Phosphatase Reporter in Normal Human Fibroblasts

Elastic fibers are major constituents of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in dynamic tissues in the human body, and regulation of elastin and fibrillin-1 expression mediates the formation of these fibers. Traditional assays for the measurement of elastin and fibrillin-1, such as western blotting, Luna staining and immunostaining, are relatively complex and time-consuming. Thus, a relatively simple assay system that also provides rational results is urgently needed. In the study, we aimed to develop a human cell-based assay system that can be used to analyze functional compounds using the promoters of elastin (ELN) and fibrillin-1 (FBN1) genes integrated with a secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter in normal human fibroblast cells. We used this system to assess anti-aging compounds. We used several regulators of elastinogenesis, including retinol, coenzyme Q10, deoxyArbutin and ElestanTM (Manilkara multinervis leaf extract), to verify the efficacy of this assay system. Our results demonstrate that this assay system can be used as a fast and realistic method for identifying anti-aging components for future use in foods, cosmetics and drugs.