Amino acids disrupt calcium-dependent adhesion of stratum corneum

PLoS One. 2019 Apr 16;14(4):e0215244. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215244. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

In the stratum corneum, the intercellular junction made up of cadherin proteins provides the structural integrity of the framework. Ca2+ ions are known to play a key role in maintaining this junction. In this study, we hypothesized that Ca2+ chelation in stratum corneum will weaken the bond of the tissue and consequently promote exfoliation. Amino acids, ubiquitously existing as metabolites and building blocks of the body, have the molecular property to chelate Ca2+ ions. In the current study, we verified the Ca2+ chelating property of amino acids and demonstrated that amino acids can interfere with the interaction of cadherins, separate stratum corneum into pieces, and thereby stimulate the exfoliation process of skin. These results validate the importance of Ca2+ ion in the skin exfoliation process. Importantly, our findings indicate that amino acids may be efficiently used for improving skin conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / metabolism*
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Cell Adhesion / physiology*
  • Epidermis / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Skin Physiological Phenomena*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Calcium

Grants and funding

This work was financially supported by LG Household and Health Care, Ltd. All authors are employees of LG Household and Health Care, Ltd. The funder provided support in the form of salaries for authors as well as research funds, but had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.