OR2AT4, an Ectopic Olfactory Receptor, Suppresses Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence in Human Keratinocytes

The study investigates the role of OR2AT4, an olfactory receptor, in the aging of human keratinocytes, the predominant cell type in the skin. The receptor OR2AT4 is known to promote wound healing and hair growth. The study found that the OR2AT4 ligand sandalore modulates intracellular calcium, inositol phosphate, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, inhibiting senescent cell phenotypes and restoring cell proliferation. Sandalore also inhibited the expression of senescence-associated β-galactoside and increased p21 expression in senescent HaCaT cells in response to hydrogen peroxide. The study suggests that OR2AT4 may be a novel therapeutic target for anti-aging and anti-senescence in human keratinocytes.