What’s great in radiation protection treatment comes from an unlikely source – frog skin. Researchers led by Professor Shuyu Zhang of Sichuan University, Professor Jie Zhang of the 4th Military Medical University, Professor Jianping Cao of Soochow University and colleagues have identified a substance derived from frog skin that provides extensive protection against radiation-induced skin damage. This innovative work published in advanced science highlights the potential of natural-inspired solutions in addressing critical healthcare challenges.
Contact radiation poses an ongoing threat in two drug treatments, such as cancer radiation therapy and environmental disasters. The skin is the largest organ and first line of defense in the human body and is usually affected by the greatest damage from radiation. However, treatments for effective control of such injuries remain limited. “The need for new and effective treatments for radiation-induced skin injuries is crucial,” said lead researcher Professor Zhang.
Scientists made this significant discovery by studying the skin of deep-spotted frogs (Pelophylax nigromaCulatus), which exhibited natural resistance to radiation. Through advanced scientific methods, they discovered several small protein fragments, also known as peptides, that are significantly altered by radiation. Among them, one fragment (called radiation-induced frog skin peptide 2) has excellent protective properties. This substance helps maintain balance within cells and reduces specific cell death types caused by inflammation, which usually worsens after radiation exposure.
Further tests reveal how radiation-induced frog skin peptide 2 works. It targets an enzyme 1 saturase 1 called phenyl Coenzyme A, which plays a key role in the production of fatty acids, which are the basis for cell membranes and energy storage. By interfering with this enzyme, peptides can reduce the production of certain fatty acids. This in turn prevents activation of the pathways that trigger inflammation after radiation. “This pathway is called a stimulator of the interferon gene pathway and is crucial for the cell’s response to radiation-induced stress,” Professor Zhang explained. “By affecting this process, peptides help protect the skin from further damage.”
Studies on skin cells and animal models show that peptides accelerate wound healing while retaining the energy centers of cells called mitochondria and its structures. Mice treated with peptides recovered faster from radiation-induced skin ulcers than those not treated. Importantly, the peptide has also proven to be safe, making it a promising candidate for future medical uses.
Stress-induced peptides like this highlight the broad potential of substances produced by amphibians. “Living organisms have developed unique ways to survive harsh conditions. These peptides represent a valuable source of new medical treatments,” Professor Zhang emphasized.
Research is underway to improve how peptides are delivered and to study their long-term effects, but this finding marks an important step in protecting the skin from radiation damage. Scientists use this treatment not only in medical procedures, but also in emergencies involving nuclear exposure. As researchers continue to explore the toughness of nature, this frog-derived peptide offers exciting possibilities for creating treatments that protect and heal.
Journal Reference
Fenghao Geng, Li Zhong, Tingyi Yang, Jianhui Chen, Ping Yang, etc. “Frog skin-derived peptides targeting Fruciferase A desaturase 1 have a radiation protection effect on skin damage by inhibiting interferon gene-mediated inflammation.” Advanced Science, 2024. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202306253
About the Author
Shuyu Zhangprofessor, major laboratory for medical translation of nuclear technology, National Health Commission. For a long time, he has been engaged in research on tumor radiosensitivity mechanisms and prevention and treatment strategies for nuclear radiation injury. He has published more than 150 papers, of which more than 80 are the first or corresponding authors. He has published (co-) author papers on Cell Mol Immunol, Adv Sci (cover story), Exp Mol Med, Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys (Red J), J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, J Invest Dermatol, J Exp Clin Cancer Res, Cover commu (cover), Environment INT, Free Adical Biol & Med and Radiat Res, etc. He edited 3 monographs; led a group of standard formulas; obtained 26 Chinese invention patents and 3 US invention patents, some of which have changed their patent achievements. He hides novel mechanisms of radiation damage, such as tetrahydroaphragm metabolism, zinc homeostasis and adipocyte-mediated radiation protection. Some of his achievements have been translated clinically.
Fenghao Geng: A young scientist studied the radiation-induced skin injury mechanism (RISI) and prevention strategies in the Department of Radiation Medicine, Sichuan University. Once, as a attending physician in radiation oncology, he was shocked by the suffering of patients during the radiation therapy process, which inspired his interest in further research on side effects relief. He is turning to clinical practice, where he will continue in-depth basic research on radiation prevention and effective clinical transformation research.
