Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation is stimulated by red light irradiation.

ABSTRACT: Keratinocytes are the primary constituents of sunlight-exposed epidermis. In these cells, ultraviolet (UV) A light completely inhibited oxidative phosphorylation, while equivalent doses of blue and green light preserved metabolic fluxes but reduced viability. In contrast, red light enhanced proliferation and elevated basal and maximal oxygen consumption rates for 48 h without altering protein levels of the electron transport chain. Targeted flux analysis revealed that red light specifically activates AMP-activating protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. This was accompanied by reduced levels of free fatty acids and increased acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation. Together, our results characterize wavelength-selective regulation of keratinocyte metabolism: UV/

SUBMITTER: Herrera MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12793707 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature