Glutamic acid promotes hair growth in mice

Abstract

Glutamic acid is the main excitatory neurotransmitter acting both in the brain and in peripheral tissues. Abnormal distribution of glutamic acid receptors occurs in skin hyperproliferative conditions such as psoriasis and skin regeneration; however, the biological function of glutamic acid in the skin remains unclear. Using ex vivo, in vivo and in silico approaches, we showed that exogenous glutamic acid promotes hair growth and keratinocyte proliferation. Topical application of glutamic acid decreased the expression of genes related to apoptosis in the skin, whereas glutamic acid increased cell viability and proliferation in human keratinocyte cultures. In addition, we identified the keratinocyte glutamic acid excitotoxic concentration, providing evidence for the existence of a novel skin signalling pathway mediated by a neurotransmitter that controls keratinocyte and hair follicle proliferation. Thus, glutamic acid emerges as a component of the peripheral nervous system that acts to control cell growth in the skin. These results raise the perspective of the pharmacological and nutritional use of glutamic acid to treat skin diseases.

LC–MS metabolomics reveal skin metabolic signature of psoriasis vulgaris

“…In the present study, histidylphenylalanine levels were elevated in psoriatic lesions, but it has not been reported to be involved in pathogenetic mechanisms of psoriasis, and therefore remains to be further investigated. The increased levels of 2‐methylcitric acid in psoriatic lesions may be relate to the increased glutamate, which can promote keratinocyte proliferation 15 . 2‐methylcitric acid can inhibit glutamate dehydrogenase activity or glutamate transport through mitochondrial membrane to decrease glutamate oxidative metabolism, resulting in elevated glutamate 16 .…”

“…The increased levels of 2-methylcitric acid in psoriatic lesions may be relate to the increased glutamate, which can promote keratinocyte proliferation. 15 2-methylcitric acid can inhibit glutamate dehydrogenase activity or glutamate transport through mitochondrial membrane to decrease glutamate oxidative metabolism, resulting in elevated glutamate. 16 Dutkiewicz et al showed that glutamate levels were increased in psoriatic lesions compared with non-lesions and healthy controls.…”

Copper Modulates Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation to Enhance Dermal Papilla Cells Proliferation in Rex Rabbits

“…Glutamic acid has an important role in hair growth and the proliferation of HF cells as an essential nutrient for DP and hair matrix cells. [ 33 , 34 , 35 ] N -acetyl aspartate is an important source of amino acids and acetates in the mammalian brain [ 36 ], and it is synthesized from aspartate and acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) by the enzyme l -aspartate- N -acetyltransferase [ 37 ]. Acetyl-CoA is an important intermediate metabolite that is the hub of sugar, lipid, and protein metabolism [ 38 ].…”

Integrated analysis of lncRNAs and mRNAs by RNA-Seq in secondary hair follicle development and cycling (anagen, catagen and telogen) of Jiangnan cashmere goat (Capra hircus)

“…KRT4 upregulation suggests significant increase in cell proliferation to promote SHF development and also increase cashmere yield [60]. Elevated expression of SLC1A2 suggests that it may promote hair growth and keratinocyte proliferation [61]. Dysregulation of LOC102190037/ LOC102179090/LOC102173866 may impair the essential role of lipid metabolism in goat skin functions, probably because lack of essential fatty acids could reduce water repulsion and increase trans-epidermal water loss [62].…”