UV signaling pathways within the skin.
The effects of UVR on the skin include tanning, carcinogenesis, immunomodulation, and synthesis of vitamin D, among others. Melanocortin 1 receptor polymorphisms correlate with skin pigmentation, UV sensitivity, and skin cancer risk. This article reviews pathways through which UVR induces cutaneous stress and the pigmentation response. Modulators of the UV-tanning pathway include sunscreen agents, melanocortin 1 receptor activators, adenylate cyclase activators, phosphodiesterase 4D3 inhibitors, T-oligos, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor regulators such as histone deacetylase inhibitors. UVR, as one of the most ubiquitous carcinogens, represents both a challenge and an enormous opportunity in skin cancer prevention.
Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Hongxiang
H
Chen
Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Qing Y
QY
Weng
Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Electronic address: dfisher3@partners.org.
David E
DE
Fisher
D000262:Adenylyl Cyclases / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051739:Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor / Q000502:physiology; D009154:Mutation; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D044102:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D013633:Tanning; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000502:physiology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D008543:Melanins; D051739:Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor; D044102:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D000262:Adenylyl Cyclases