UVB and UVA initiate different pathways to p53-dependent apoptosis in melanocytes.
The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) has more than doubled in the past 25 years and continues to increase at over 3% per year across all age groups (Linos et al., this issue), and invasive and disseminated melanoma in young women has increased by almost 10% since 1992 (Purdue et al., 2008). Early detection and excision of CMM can result in successful treatment, but disseminated disease is resistant to current therapies and has a very poor prognosis (Garbe and Eigentler, 2007). Sunlight exposure is a major risk factor for melanoma. In this issue, Waster and llinger investigate the effects of UVB and UVA on melanocytes.
Noonan
Frances P
FP
Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA. drmfpn@gwumc.edu
De Fabo
Edward C
EC
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53