Activation of Temperature-Sensitive Ca2+-Permeable TRPV3 Channels by Natural α-Hydroxyl Acids Causes Exfoliation for Skin-Resurfacing
January 2020
TLDR Natural α-hydroxyl acids cause skin exfoliation by activating TRPV3 channels.
The study presented evidence that natural α-hydroxyl acids (AHAs) activate temperature-sensitive Ca2+-permeable TRPV3 channels, leading to skin exfoliation. This process occurs through intracellular acidification, particularly by glycolic acid, which activates TRPV3 channels in keratinocytes, promoting cell death. A critical N-terminal histidine residue, His-426, was identified as essential for sensing intracellular proton levels. Additionally, the TRPV3 channel agonist carvacrol was shown to induce cell death in hair follicle outer root sheath cells and inhibit hair growth in mice. These findings suggested that TRPV3-mediated proton sensing and cell death could explain the exfoliating effects of AHAs and their potential therapeutic use in acidic pH-related skin disorders.
