Effects of Ciona robusta Extract on Skin Hydration-Related Factors in HDFn and HaCaT Cells

Marine invasive species are non-native marine organisms capable of establishing, spreading, and disrupting local ecosystems. The present study evaluated the effects of extracts from Ciona robusta (CRE), an invasive marine invertebrate, on skin hydration-related factors and explored the associated molecular responses in skin cells. CRE treatment increased normalized procollagen levels in HDFn cells and hyaluronic acid levels in HaCaT cells. It also increased the expression of genes related to collagen synthesis and skin hydration, including COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, HAS2, HAS3, FLG, and AQP3. Protein analysis revealed that CRE altered TGF-β levels and the phosphorylation of proteins associated with signaling pathways, including MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and STAT3, that are linked to collagen production, extracellular matrix formation, and skin hydration. These findings indicate that CRE modulates cellular factors associated with collagen production and skin hydration, although further studies are required to confirm these effects. Overall, this research suggests the potential of CRE as a marine-derived material for further investigation in skin-hydration-related applications.