The described invention provides methods and compositions utilizing a NELL1 peptide or nucleic acid encoding a NELL1 peptide for treating or preventing a skin condition. The methods include treating or preventing manifestations of aging in human skin, repairing damage to skin, and preventing skin scarring. Methods are also provided for assaying a test peptide for NELL1 activity.
Provisional Application No. TXT, created on Jan. The sequence listing contained in this ASCII formatted document is part of the specification and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The described invention relates to the use of NELL1 peptides and nucleic acids for treating or preventing manifestations of a skin condition in human skin.
The integument is the human body's most massive organ. It is composed of the skin including the epidermis and dermis that covers the entire body and accessory organs, which are derivatives of the skin, such as nails, hair, and sweat, sebaceous, and mammary glands. The skin is regularly subjected to numerous physical, chemical and biological insults, including those of skin aging and defective wound repair, which can result in injuries and diseases that leave unsightly scars or poor skin appearance and function.
These skin conditions may result in both physical and emotional distress to a patient. Photo-aged skin is an example of a common condition that can be treated with various in-office procedures and numerous topical agents, most of which are intended to resurface the epidermis; generally, this means removing the damaged epidermis and, in some cases, the dermis, and replacing the tissue with remodeled skin layers. Results of these resurfacing procedures are variable, and may spur the formation of new collagen.
Clinically, the use of growth factors, cytokines, and telomerase to treat photo-aged skin is not practiced. Prevention of extrinsic aging remains the best approach for treating aged skin. This entails avoiding exposure to the sun, using sunscreen when sun avoidance is impossible, avoiding cigarette smoke and pollution, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and taking oral anti-oxidant supplements or topical anti-oxidant formulations.
