Molecular aspects of ultraviolet radiation-induced apoptosis in the skin.
BACKGROUND
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is an essential physiological process that controls cell numbers during physiological processes, and eliminates abnormal cells that can potentially harm an organism.


OBJECTIVE
This review summarizes our current state of knowledge of apoptosis induction in skin by UV radiation.


METHODS
A review of the literature was undertaken focusing on cell death in the skin secondary to UV radiation.


RESULTS
It is evident that a number of apoptotic pathways, both intrinsic and extrinsic, are induced following exposure to damaging UV radiation.


CONCLUSIONS
Although our understanding of the apoptotic processes is gradually increasing, many important aspects remain obscure. These include interconnections between pathways, wavelength-specific differences and cell type differences.
Chow
Jeffrey
J
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, 4B1.19 Walter C Mackenzie Health Science Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Tron
Victor A
VA
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000502:physiology; D004260:DNA Repair / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D051379:Mice; D009154:Mutation; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D010777:Photochemistry; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D015398:Signal Transduction; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D048069:Tumor Necrosis Factors; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000235:genetics; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D048069:Tumor Necrosis Factors; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53