Olfactory Receptors: Strategic Role in Skin Health
Dr. Shinobu Nakanishi will join Skin Ageing & Challenges 2024 this November to discuss his latest findings on olfactory receptors, skin and keratinization. Prof. Marvin Edeas, member of the Skin Challenges scientific board, will also have an introductory talk on this topic. Join us at Corinthia Palace Malta to stay updated on all innovations in the field.
Researchers from Shiseido Co. and Meiji University in Japan have made significant progress in understanding the role of olfactory receptors (ORs) in human skin. The study, led by Dr. Shinobu Nakanishi, offers new insights into how these receptors contribute to skin health, specifically focusing on their role in keratinization and epidermal differentiation.
The comprehensive meta-transcriptome analysis conducted by the team revealed that olfactory receptors are not confined to the nasal cavity but are expressed in various tissues throughout the body, including the skin. The study utilized RNA sequencing data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project, revealing tissue-dependent expression patterns of 97 ORs. Notably, the receptors OR5P2, OR5P3, and OR10A6 were highly expressed in the skin.
Dr. Nakanishi’s team further invesitaged the functions of these skin-associated ORs using weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and c3net analysis. Their findings suggest that these receptors, particularly OR10A6, play crucial roles in maintaining the skin’s water-impermeable barrier and supporting epidermal differentiation. Immunocytochemical examinations further revealed that OR10A6 is sparsely distributed among keratinocytes, indicating a selective expression pattern.
The study also explored the functional impact of OR10A6 by using an agonist, 3-phenylpropyl propionate (3PPP), which transiently increased intracellular calcium levels and enhanced cornified envelope production in cultured keratinocytes. Conversely, knocking down OR10A6 reduced these effects, highlighting its potential as a target for modulating keratinization.
This innovative research not only broadens our understanding of the diverse functions of olfactory receptors but also points to OR10A6 as a potential target for future skincare innovations.
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