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Related Concept Videos

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
Vitamins01:30

Vitamins

Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...
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
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health01:25

Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health

The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

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

Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation

Published on: August 19, 2025

Vitamin D and death by sunshine.

Katie M Dixon1, Wannit Tongkao-On, Vanessa B Sequeira

  • 1Discipline of Physiology, Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. katie.dixon@sydney.edu.au.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|January 22, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D compounds protect skin cells from sun damage and death caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This study explores the signaling pathways behind vitamin D

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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

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Photobiology

Background:

  • Sunlight exposure, specifically ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is a primary cause of skin cancer.
  • UV radiation induces DNA damage and cell death in skin cells through direct absorption and oxidative stress.
  • UV exposure increases p53 accumulation, triggering DNA repair or cell death pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the protective effects of vitamin D compounds on UV-exposed skin cells.
  • To examine the specific signaling pathways involved in vitamin D-mediated photoprotection.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on UV radiation effects on skin cells.
  • Analysis of vitamin D metabolism and its active compounds.
  • Examination of signaling pathways activated by vitamin D in response to UV exposure.

Main Results:

  • Vitamin D, synthesized in skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol upon UV exposure, has active metabolites.
  • Vitamin D compounds have demonstrated prevention of UV-induced cell death and DNA damage in human skin cells.
  • Specific signaling pathways mediate the protective effects of vitamin D against UV damage.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D compounds offer a protective mechanism against UV-induced skin cell damage and death.
  • Understanding these pathways could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for preventing skin cancer.