Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid channel TRPV6 accelerates keratinocyte differentiation

Background Numerous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of Avene Thermal Spring Water (TSW) in dermatological diseases but the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Avene TSW on the morphological and molecular features related to the more advanced status of differentiation of human keratinocytes. Material and Methods Normal human keratinocytes (NHK) were differentiated in medium powder reconstituted with Avene TSW and assessed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Calcium entry was measured by a Fura-2 AM probe. TRPV6 channel were detected by immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and western blot. Results Treatment of NHK with Avene TSW led to an enhanced constitutive calcium entry that resulted in the increased expression of involucrin and cytokeratins 1 and 10. This enhanced constitutive calcium entry in Avene TSW-treated keratinocytes was mediated by the TRPV6 calcium channel. Moreover, Avene TSW-mediated calcium entry was due to the increase in TRPV6 expression as well as the channel abundance at the cell membrane. Conclusions An other mechanism of action of Avene TSW is described. Avene TSW treatment induced an enhanced constitutive calcium entry mediated by TRPV6 channel leading to the acceleration of human keratinocytes differentiation.