# Paeonia lactiflora Callus-Derived Polynucleotides Enhance Collagen Accumulation in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

## TL;DR

This study shows that polynucleotides from Paeonia lactiflora callus boost collagen production in human skin cells, similar to salmon-derived compounds.

## Contribution

The study identifies a plant-based alternative to salmon-derived polynucleotides for promoting skin regeneration.

## Key findings

- PL-PN increased cell viability and pro-collagen I α1 secretion in human dermal fibroblasts.
- PL-PN activated the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway and reduced inflammatory signaling via NF-κB and MMPs.
- PL-PN enhanced TGF-β signaling and collagen/elastin deposition comparable to S-PDRN.

## Abstract

Plant-derived polynucleotides (PNs) have emerged as promising regenerative biomolecules; however, their mechanisms remain less defined than those of salmon-derived polydeoxyribonucleotides (S-PDRNs). Here, we extracted polynucleotides from Paeonia lactiflora callus (PL-PN) and evaluated their biological effects on human dermal fibroblasts. PL-PN treatment increased cell viability and pro-collagen I α1 secretion. PL-PN enhanced adenosine A2A receptor expression and activated the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway, accompanied by increased Cyclin D1 levels, retinoblastoma protein (Rb) phosphorylation, and nuclear proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels, indicating an accelerated G1/S transition. PL-PN also significantly reduced nuclear NF-κB localization and downregulated MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, and MMP13, suggesting attenuation of inflammatory and catabolic signaling. Furthermore, PL-PN increased TGF-β maturation, Smad2/3 phosphorylation, and the transcription of COL1A1, COL3A1, and elastin, resulting in enhanced collagen and elastin deposition. These effects are comparable to those of S-PDRN. Although the pathway specificity and in vivo relevance require further studies, our findings provide evidence that PL-PN promotes extracellular matrix regeneration via coordinated proliferative, anabolic, and anti-inflammatory actions. Thus, PL-PN represents a potential sustainable plant-based alternative to S-PDRN for dermatological regeneration.