Plant essential oil targets TRPV3 for skin renewal and structural mechanism of action

Abstract Our skin safeguards the body homeostasis for health and also provides psychological consolation in social life. Natural essential oils are widely used for skin maintenance, while the molecular target and mechanism of action remain largely unknown. Here, we report that citronellal, a plant-derived acyclic monoterpene commonly used for personal care, stimulates skin renewal by promoting keratinocyte proliferation through the activation of TRPV3. We further present cryo-EM structures of human TRPV3 in complex with acyclic monoterpenes, including citronellal, citral, linalool