Researchers from Israel studied a new theory that supports why tanning does not occur as soon as exposure to the sun but only after hours or even a day. The study successfully draws attention to the potential to prevent skin cancer, as the body prioritises over DNA repair mechanism within the skin cells.
Table of Contents
Skin cancer
Skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma types, remains a global health concern, with its incidence steadily increasing over the past decades. In response to this growing challenge, Israeli scientists have undertaken a comprehensive investigation into the underlying causes of skin cancer and potential avenues for intervention.
Whereas tanning is referred to as a mechanism which stops skin pigmentation due to sun exposure and as a result DNA damage. Professor Carmit Levy from Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Medicine and Professor Shoshana Greenberger from Sheba Medical Center jointly spearheaded the research. The study received financial support from the Israel Cancer Research Fund and its findings were published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, a publication of Nature, titled “Induction of Lymphangiogenesis by miRNA Trafficking in Primary Melanoma.”
Pigmentation saves the day
Melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of the skin, hair, and eyes, acts as a shield against UV radiation. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, specialized cells called melanocytes produce more melanin, leading to tanning. This process serves as a protective response to UV radiation. Melanin’s dark colour absorbs and disperses UV radiation, preventing it from penetrating deep into the skin where it could cause damage to DNA within skin cells.
Skin pigmentation, through the production of melanin and the resulting tanning response, forms a critical defence mechanism against skin cancer. By absorbing and dispersing UV radiation and neutralizing free radicals, melanin plays an essential role in preserving the integrity of skin cells and reducing the risk of DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer development.
Melanin to rescue
Experimental validation was conducted on both animal models and human skin tissues. Surprisingly, tanning occurred in both cases even without any UV radiation, corroborating the researchers’ findings. Levy emphasized, “Preserving the integrity of genetic information becomes paramount during sun-induced exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The repair mechanism effectively ‘suspends’ other processes in the cell, allowing for uninterrupted DNA correction, which peaks a few hours post-UV exposure. Only then does the melanin production process initiate”.
The team had previously identified MITF, an activated protein during UV exposure, as a key regulator of these mechanisms. Building on this, the researchers pinpointed another pivotal protein, ATM, integral to DNA repair, which orchestrates the activation and deactivation of the respective mechanisms.
Synchronous effect
Levy hypothesized, “This orchestrated process likely exploits components of the pigmentation mechanism to maximize the cell’s survival chances, minimizing mutations following radiation exposure.”
The groundbreaking research significantly advances our comprehension of how the body shields itself against UV radiation and how these mechanisms are synchronized for optimum protection. The implications extend to potential innovations in skin cancer prevention and treatment, shedding light on novel pathways for future therapeutic interventions.
Conclusion:
These findings may be useful as we move forward in ultimately improving patient outcomes and significant contribution towards melanoma against other forms of skin cancer.n conclusion, the collaborative efforts led by Professor Carmit Levy of Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Medicine and Professor Shoshana Greenberger from Sheba Medical Center have yielded a remarkable breakthrough in our understanding of melanoma and its intricate relationship with lymphangiogenesis.
The groundbreaking research significantly advances our comprehension of how the body shields itself against UV radiation and how these mechanisms are synchronized for optimum protection. The implications extend to potential innovations in skin cancer prevention and treatment, shedding light on novel pathways for future therapeutic interventions.
