Testosterone stimulates Duox1 activity through GPRC6A in skin keratinocytes.

Authors:
Ko E, Choi H, Kim B, Kim M, Park KN, Bae IH, Sung YK, Lee TR, Shin DW, Bae YS
In:
Source: J Biol Chem
Publication Date: (2014)
Issue: M114: 583450
Research Area:
Basic Research
Experiment


Abstract

Testosterone is an endocrine hormone with functions in the reproductive organs, anabolic events and skin homeostasis. We report here that GPRC6A serves as a sensor and mediator of the rapid action of testosterone in epidermal keratinocytes. The silencing of GPRC6A inhibited testosterone-induced intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilization and H2O2 generation. These results indicated that a testosterone-GPRC6A complex is required for the activation of Gq protein, IP3 generation, and [Ca2+]i mobilization, leading to Duox1 activation. H2O2 generation by testosterone stimulated the apoptosis of keratinocytes through the activation of caspase-3. The application of testosterone into 3-D skin equivalents increased the apoptosis of keratinocytes between the granular and stratified corneum layers. These results support an understanding of the molecular mechanism of testosterone-dependent apoptosis in which testosterone stimulates H2O2 generation through the activation of Duox1.