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Related Concept Videos

Mutations01:35

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...
Mutations01:39

Mutations

Overview
Skin Cancer01:30

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...
Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Nucleotide Excision Repair01:38

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...
Nucleotide Excision Repair01:08

Nucleotide Excision Repair

Overview

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
12:37

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Published on: September 7, 2013

Ultraviolet radiation and melanoma.

Holly E Kanavy1, Meg R Gerstenblith

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.

Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|November 30, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is the primary environmental risk factor for melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer. Protecting skin from UVR significantly reduces melanoma development risk.

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Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation
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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 27, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
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Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Published on: September 7, 2013

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
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Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells

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Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation
03:20

Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Oncology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Melanoma incidence has risen significantly since the 1970s.
  • Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major environmental risk factor for skin cancer.
  • UVR exposure causes DNA damage, mutations, oxidative stress, and immunosuppression, contributing to melanoma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review epidemiologic data on UVR and melanoma.
  • To detail the detrimental effects of UVR on skin.
  • To present evidence for UVR protection reducing melanoma risk.

Main Methods:

  • Review of extensive epidemiologic data.
  • Analysis of UVR's biological effects on skin.
  • Examination of protective measures against UVR.

Main Results:

  • UVR exposure is the most critical environmental risk factor for melanoma.
  • UVR induces DNA damage, mutations, oxidative stress, inflammation, and immunosuppression.
  • Melanin and sunscreen effectively reduce melanoma risk.

Conclusions:

  • Reducing UVR exposure is crucial for melanoma prevention.
  • Understanding UVR's mechanisms in melanomagenesis is key.
  • Public health strategies should focus on UVR protection.