Cross-linking of elafin/SKALP to elastic fibers in photodamaged skin: too much of a good thing?

Abstract

Muto et al. report that UVA light induces the expression of elafin, a potent elastase inhibitor, in skin fibroblasts. Elafin binds to elastic fibers by transglutaminase-mediated cross-linking and protects against proteolytic breakdown. Decreased degradation could contribute to accumulation of elastotic material in photodamaged skin. Elastase and its locally produced inhibitors play a role in actinic elastosis.