Peroxiredoxin V Protects against UVB-Induced Damage of Keratinocytes.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage exposed skin cells. Mitochondria and NADPH oxidase are the two principal producers of ROS in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes. Peroxiredoxin V (PrxV) is a mitochondrial and cytosolic cysteine-dependent peroxidase enzyme that robustly removes HO. We investigated PrxV's role in protecting epidermal keratinocytes against UVB-induced ROS damage. We separated mitochondrial and cytosolic HO levels from other types of ROS using fluorescent HO indicators. Upon UVB irradiation, PrxV-knockdown HaCaT human keratinocytes showed higher levels of mitochondrial and cytosolic HO than PrxV-expressing controls. PrxV depletion enhanced hyperoxidation-mediated inactivation of mitochondrial PrxIII and cytosolic PrxI and PrxII in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes. PrxV-depleted keratinocytes exhibited mitochondrial dysfunction and were more susceptible to apoptosis through decreased oxygen consumption rate, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, cardiolipin oxidation, cytochrome C release, and caspase activation. Our findings show that PrxV serves to protect epidermal keratinocytes from UVB-induced damage such as mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, not only by directly removing mitochondrial and cytosolic HO but also by indirectly improving the catalytic activity of mitochondrial PrxIII and cytosolic PrxI and PrxII. It is possible that strengthening PrxV defenses could aid in preventing UVB-induced skin damage.