N-linked glycosylation is an important post translational modification of proteins which plays a key role in their structure and biological function. Human blood plasma glycomics have shown that significant decreases of complex N-glycans are seen with age. In skin, glycomic studies have shown that the epidermis is characterized by an abundance of high mannose N-glycosylated proteins with a role in SC lipid remodeling, desquamation and barrier function.  In this study, we characterized the N-glycome of the stratum corneum and show that despite small clinical cohorts (n=10) significant quantitative decreases in high mannose N-glycans occur in the stratum corneum from aged and dry skin. These changes in N-glycosylation during ageing may have consequences for SC desquamation, barrier function, hydration and microbiome diversity.  These novel glycan biomarkers will help in the development and selection of glycan-mimics as potential cosmetics to treat aged and/or dry skin.

Skin Glycomics - Characterization of the N-glycome in the Stratum Corneum of Aged and Dry skin