title: Skin phototype: a new perspective.
abstract: Cutaneous phototype is considered mainly related to cutaneous pigmentation and to the eumelanin/pheomelanin ratio, which is mostly genetically determined by the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) polymorphisms. However, data in literature indicate that, in addition to stimulation of eumelanin synthesis, the MC1R signalling activates antioxidant, DNA repair and survival pathways. New emerging aspects regarding photoprotection and skin phototypes are going beyond those features connected to the melanin content in the skin. Important new findings link the MC1R to nuclear receptors activation, shedding light on new extra-melanogenic effects dependent on the α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) activity and new ways through which such functions are modulated. These evidences indicate that several factors including melanin play a part in defining the basis for individual sun sensitivity, suggesting that the cutaneous phototype represents a 'biochemical fingerprint'.
authors: Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Centre of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, Rome, Italy.
authors: Vittoria
authors: V
authors: Maresca
authors: Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Centre of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, Rome, Italy.
authors: Enrica
authors: E
authors: Flori
authors: Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Centre of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute, Rome, Italy.
authors: Mauro
authors: M
authors: Picardo
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000528:radiation effects; D044102:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1 / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000528:radiation effects; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D008543:Melanins; D044102:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1
keywords: MC1R; melanocytes; phototype; ultraviolet radiation; α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone