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Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Neonatal sunburn and melanoma in mice
F P Noonan1, J A Recio, H Takayama
1Laboratory of Photobiology and Photoimmunology, Departments of Dermatology and Immunology, George Washington University Medical School, Washington DC 20037, USA.
Nature
|September 21, 2001
Summary
Childhood sunburn from ultraviolet radiation exposure is a significant risk factor for developing melanoma. A single burning dose in neonate mice, not adults, was sufficient to induce melanoma-like tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Epidemiological studies suggest intense, intermittent ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, especially in childhood, is linked to cutaneous malignant melanoma.
- This contrasts with other skin cancers, which are associated with cumulative lifetime UVR exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal link between early-life UVR exposure and melanoma development.
- To utilize a genetically engineered mouse model to experimentally validate epidemiological findings.
Main Methods:
- A genetically engineered mouse model was exposed to a single dose of burning ultraviolet radiation.
- Exposure was administered to neonatal mice and compared with adult mice.
Main Results:
- A single dose of burning UVR to neonates was necessary and sufficient to induce tumors with high penetrance.
- The induced tumors were histopathologically reminiscent of human melanoma.
- Adult mice exposed to the same UVR dose did not develop tumors.
Conclusions:
- Experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that childhood sunburn is a significant risk factor for melanoma.
- Early-life UVR exposure is critical in the pathogenesis of melanoma.
