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MITF and UV responses in skin: From pigmentation to addiction

Nhu T Nguyen1, David E Fisher1

  • 1Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research
|July 19, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) causes skin damage and addiction-like responses via hormones like alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Research reviews UVR

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology and Molecular Biology
  • Skin Physiology and Carcinogenesis

Background:

  • Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) significantly impacts skin, inducing DNA damage, tanning, vitamin D synthesis, carcinogenesis, and immune responses.
  • Damaged keratinocytes release alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and beta-endorphin, influencing melanocytes and potentially causing addiction-like behaviors.
  • The tanning response offers delayed protection against UVR-induced damage, while opioid release may encourage sun exposure for vitamin D production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of UVR-induced pigmentation and melanomagenesis.
  • To explore the evidence for UVR-induced addiction-like responses.
  • To discuss novel sunless tanning strategies using small-molecule inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of UVR effects on skin.
  • Analysis of hormonal signaling pathways (α-MSH, β-endorphin) in response to UVR.
  • Examination of melanogenesis regulation by microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF).

Main Results:

  • UVR triggers complex skin responses including DNA damage, tanning, and hormonal signaling.
  • Melanocytic MITF is central to UVR-induced pigmentation.
  • Evidence suggests UVR can induce melanomagenesis and addiction-like behaviors.

Conclusions:

  • The skin's response to UVR involves protective and potentially harmful adaptations.
  • Understanding these pathways may lead to new approaches for skin protection.
  • Topical SIK inhibitors offer a potential method for sunless tanning and UV protection.
Keywords:
UVaddictionmicrophthalmia-associated transcription factorpigmentationskin

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