Related Experiment Videos
Identification by cDNA microarray technology of genes modulated by artificial ultraviolet radiation in normal human
C Valéry1, J J Grob, P Verrando
1Laboratoire d'Investigation des Maladies de la Peau, LIMP -- Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France.
Abstract:
Target genes of ultraviolet stress response in cutaneous melanocytes, potentially associated with solar-induced melanocarcinogenesis, were characterized by cDNA microarray technology. In cultured normal human melanocytes, 198 genes out of approximately 9000 arrayed were found modulated > or = 1.9 times following artificial ultraviolet minus sign mainly ultraviolet-B minus sign irradiation (100 mJ per cm(2)). Among them, 159 corresponded to known sequences, the encoded proteins being mostly involved in DNA or RNA binding/synthesis/modification, or ribosomal proteins. The others were transcription factors, receptors, tumor suppressors, and (proto)oncogenes. Members of these families have already been linked to melanoma. In addition, some of the modulated genes were borne by chromosomes harboring candidate melanoma loci. Comparisons with genes modified in melanoma samples reported in previous studies with similar microarray platform showed that 59% of the known genes sensitive to ultraviolet were modulated in the same way. Furthermore, 39 expressed sequence tags were modulated, and preliminary experiments showed that two expressed sequence tags displayed differential expressions both in melanoma cell lines and in melanoma tumors. These results provide a basis for further studies on the role of modulated genes in ultraviolet-induced melanoma. Because some of these genes are potential markers of the disease, they might help for developing new molecular-based strategies for risk prediction in patients.
Insights
This study identified 198 genes in human melanocytes that respond to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, potentially linking them to melanoma development. Some of these UV-responsive genes may serve as early markers for skin cancer risk prediction.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Dermatology
- Cancer research
Background:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is a primary cause of skin cancer, including melanoma.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of UV-induced melanocyte stress is crucial for identifying cancer risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes modulated by UV radiation in cutaneous melanocytes.
- To explore the potential role of these genes in solar-induced melanocarcinogenesis.
- To investigate potential molecular markers for melanoma risk prediction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cDNA microarray technology to analyze gene expression in cultured normal human melanocytes.
- Exposed melanocytes to artificial ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation.
- Compared gene expression profiles with previously reported data from melanoma samples.
Main Results:
- 198 out of approximately 9000 genes were modulated by UVB irradiation (≥1.9 fold change).
- Key modulated genes included those involved in DNA/RNA processes, ribosomal proteins, transcription factors, tumor suppressors, and oncogenes.
- 59% of UV-sensitive known genes showed similar modulation in melanoma samples.
- Two expressed sequence tags (ESTs) exhibited differential expression in melanoma cell lines and tumors.
Conclusions:
- The identified UV-modulated genes provide a foundation for further research into their role in UV-induced melanoma.
- Certain modulated genes may function as potential biomarkers for melanoma, aiding in molecular-based risk prediction strategies.