Mad dogs, Englishmen and apoptosis: the role of cell death in UV-induced skin cancer.
Apoptosis plays a critical role in the development and progression of ultraviolet-induced skin cancers. In particular, Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) interactions are known to control the development of "sunburn cells" or apoptotic keratinocytes in the UV-exposed epidermis. In the absence of functional Fas/FasL signaling, UV-induced apoptosis is diminished and mutations rapidly accumulate. UV-induced suppression of host immunity, a process regulating skin cancer outgrowth, is also controlled through Fas/FasL interactions. Other death receptors, such as the receptor for tumor necrosis factor, may also contribute to UV-induced carcinogenesis and progression. Understanding the involvement of cell death in cancers caused by exposure to sunlight may provide novel approaches for prevention and therapy of these ever-increasing malignancies.
Guzman
E
E
Department of Biomedical Sciences, The University of California-Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, USA.
Langowski
J L
JL
Owen-Schaub
L
L
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004249:DNA Damage; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D006801:Humans; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
C505661:FASLG protein, human; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D019014:fas Receptor