In the line of one of my previous posts Gray hair - Our Hair Bleaches Itself As We Grow Older...
Looks like EXT Life Sciences, Inc. is making news this month with their product, CATSKL, which they say represents a new class of cosmeceutical and pharmacological agents known broadly as TAOs (targeted antioxidants).
Summary of CATSKL:
CAT-SKL is a biologic designed to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the cellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or oxidants. CAT-SKL consists of a reengineered tetrameric catalase enzyme (human catalase with reengineered carboxy-terminus), that is combined with a custom designed cellular delivery molecule, based on specific use. CAT-SKL functions at a broad pH range and is compatible with virtually all existing formulations. Currently, delivery of CAT-SKL can be made either topically or by injection. CAT-SKL is target specific (targeting a specific compartment of human cells in order to eliminate oxidant damage) and it acts without the need for over-expression. CAT-SKL has no measurable toxicity.
More from their website...
Role of Oxidants:
Oxidants are a well-known enemy of human cells, attacking critical constituents. They cannot simply be eliminated because oxidants have an important function to perform in cells, provided they are present in the right concentration and in balance with the cell's antioxidants. It is only when our bodies produce excessive quantities of destructive oxidants that damage to our cells, tissues, and organs occurs. Controlling oxidant production at the source within the cell is the key to slowing down, or even reversing, the body's aging process and ameliorating environmentally inflicted damage.
How CAT-SKL Works:
CAT-SKL's effectiveness is based on two properties: its ability to rapidly enter cells and, once there, to efficiently traffic to a major site of oxidant production, the peroxisome.
As depicted in step one below, a delivery molecule is bound or fused to CAT-SKL. In step two, the delivery molecule promotes entry into the cell. In step three, CAT-SKL is poised to engage the peroxisomal import receptor, Pex5p. CAT-SKL is better recognized than the weaker, naturally occurring catalase-KANL by the receptor, Pex5p, in step four. It is then ferried to the docking/import machinery on the peroxisome membrane in steps five & six. Once in the peroxisome, step seven, the enzyme can neutralize production of hydrogen peroxide and related toxic oxidants.
Results:
EXT has achieved dramatic results in not only restoring oxidative balance in cells, but also in identifying strategies for the treatment of numerous diseases and pathologies. These results have been obtained without any measurable toxicity in both in vitro and in vivo tests. CAT-SKL protects human skin from damaging UV radiation and helps protect critical skin components like collagen, hyaluronon and elastin from oxidant-induced destruction. On the pharmaceutical side, CAT-SKL helps control inflammation, reduces damage to heart tissue following schemia-reperfusion, and appears to cross the blood-brain barrier, opening the door to treatments for neurodegenerative indications including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
From a recent press release PDF - EXT Life Sciences Announces New Biotech Treatment that Tackles Root Cause of Graying Hair
CATSKL is a targeted catalase technology that reintroduces the enzyme into peroxisomes of aged cells to reestablish the balance of pro and anti-oxidants and has already earned patent protection in several countries. Research by Dr. Terlecky and colleagues points directly at the importance of this equilibrium in thwarting the progression of certain aging parameters. This groundbreaking work has clear implications for the cells of aging hair follicles – where the first visible sign of aging deterioration occurs (as gray hair), as well as in cells corrupted by diseases associated with the aging process, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
EXT’s announcement occurs as the scientific community deepens its research into aging issues. In a recently published scientific report, researchers at England’s University of Bradford discovered why hair turns gray as it ages. According to the study, hydrogen peroxide accumulates and "bleaches" hair due to the age-related absence of catalase. Specifically, amassed and highly destructive reactive oxygen species (ROS), often referred to as “free radicals” or “oxidants”, damage melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, because the responsible enzyme, tyrosinase, is inactivated by the high levels of hydrogen peroxide. Dr. Terlecky says EXT’S research takes the Bradford study further. “EXT not only understands the process that turns hair gray but offers a potentially powerful antidote. Through our research, we have shown that CATSKL overcomes the catalase deficiency in a variety of human cell types, including those of the skin, scalp, and hair follicles,” affirms Dr. Terlecky. “We are ahead of the game in terms of nearing the point where we can act on our research and take a product to market.”
Their webpage EXT in the News has more, such as the WXYZ - No More Gray Hair video
