title: Is Mc1r an important regulator of non-pigmentary responses to UV radiation?
abstract: MC1R is recognized for its role in the regulation of melanin pigmentation. In addition, many investigators believe that it also plays a crucial role in immunomodulation (immunosuppression) and in melanogenesis-independent protective responses against ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Surprisingly, Wolnicka-Glubisz et al. have shown that loss of function in the MC1R has no effect on inflammatory responses and immunosuppression induced by UVR in C57BL/6 mice as well as on the degree of UVA-induced DNA damage in the epidermis and dermis. These findings, by challenging the existing dogmas on the precise role of MC1R in non-pigmentary responses to the UVR, mandate further research to either validate the presented data or to define to which degree these phenomena are restricted to the C57BL/6 mouse model or are applicable to other species including humans. The alternative target for immunomodulation is represented by MC3R. However, cutaneous expression of MC3R remains to be demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.
authors.forename: Michal A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Zmijewski
authors.forename: Andrzej T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Slominski
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D044102:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1 / Q000502:physiology*; D012867:Skin / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D044102:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1
keywords: MC1R; UVR; immunosuppression; αMSH