Transcriptomic profiling of chlorogenic acid and taurine treatment in human skin cells provides insights into cellular senescence mechanisms

Background Chlorogenic acid (CGA) and taurine are well-known antioxidant compounds reported to reduce skin cellular senescence. However, the biological mechanisms underlying their skin-protective effects remain unclear. Methods In this study, we conducted transcriptome-wide RNA sequencing to profile gene expression changes in human epidermal keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts following treatment with CGA, taurine, or their combination. To identify aging-related genes, we integrated evidence from aging databases, perceived-age GWAS, enrichment in aging-related gene ontology and pathways, and drug-gene interaction annotations. Validation of representative genes was performed using quantitative real-time PCR. Results A total of 197 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which 62 were prioritized as aging-related DEGs (AR-DEGs) based on their relevance to skin aging anti-senescence-associated pathways, highlighting regulatory transcription factors including TGFB2 , ETS1 , and EGR1 . Co-treatment enhanced the transcriptional effects of CGA and taurine, with several genes exhibiting synergistic responses. Targeted transcriptome-wide association analysis indicated potential links between specific AR-DEGs, such as FST, and phenotypes including perceived age and skin pigmentation. Conclusion By identifying key genes and pathways that contribute to cellular longevity in human skin, this study provides molecular insights for developing anti-aging strategies with potential applications in dermatology.