Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026

12:37
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Tanning salon exposure and molecular alterations
S E Whitmore1, W L Morison, C S Potten
1Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|April 20, 2001
Summary
Tanning salon UV exposure causes DNA damage and p53 protein expression in skin cells, similar to sun exposure. These molecular changes are linked to skin cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Photobiology
Background:
- Limited human studies exist on the short-term cellular effects of tanning salon use.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for consumer education regarding tanning salon risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DNA alterations and p53 protein expression in skin cells and lymphocytes after tanning salon exposure.
- To assess the cellular impact of artificial UV radiation from tanning beds.
Main Methods:
- Eleven subjects underwent 10 tanning salon sessions over two weeks.
- DNA cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and p53 protein levels were analyzed in skin biopsies and blood samples before and after exposure.
Main Results:
- DNA damage (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers) and p53 protein were detected in epidermal keratinocytes.
- No significant alterations were observed in circulating peripheral lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- Tanning salon exposure induces molecular changes in skin cells, mirroring effects of natural sunlight.
- These UV-induced alterations are considered critical early steps in skin carcinogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Nucleotide Excision Repair
Overview
Mutations
Overview
Nucleotide Excision Repair
Overview
Mutations
Mutations are changes in the sequence of DNA. These changes can occur spontaneously or they can be induced by exposure to environmental factors. Mutations can be characterized in a number of different ways: whether and how they alter the amino acid sequence of the protein, whether they occur over a small or large area of DNA, and whether they occur in somatic cells or germline cells.
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Nucleotide Excision Repair
DNA Distortion and Damage
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...

![Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate (DMBA-TPA)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F60445.jpg&w=3840&q=50)