Korean red ginseng extract exploits NF-κB to promote wound repair and protein expression in keratinocytes

Keratinocytes are the primary cell type in the epidermis and play an essential role in protecting the body against external insults. To investigate the modulatory potential of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on keratinocytes, we explored the possible mechanism underlying the promotion of keratinocyte migration. We determined the levels of TERT, HAS-2, SPTLC2, and CerS3 genes in HaCaT cells using qRT-PCR. In addition, changes in the levels of involucrin, filaggrin, and loricrin were measured using qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. Lastly, the keratinocyte migration promoting potential of KRG was determined using a cell migration assay and immunoblotting. KRG (100 and 200 μg/mL) treatment upregulated the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene independent of the UVB insult. KRG treatment upregulated the levels of HAS-2, SPTLC2, CerS3, and loricrin genes involved in the skin barrier function of keratinocytes. KRG promotes keratinocyte migration via NF-κB activation. KRG showed a direct modulatory effect on keratinocytes, and these modulatory functions may benefit skin health when KRG is used as a cosmeceutical or nutraceutical ingredient.