Genesis of sunburn decoded

Sunburn is caused by RNA damage

07/09/2012

In the development of sunburn, the RNA molecules of the cornea play a crucial role. According to US researchers at the University of California at San Diego, the UV rays of sunlight damage a minute RNA molecule in the cornea, triggering a whole chain of reactions that causes inflammation of the skin and typical sunburn symptoms.

Damage to RNA molecules during prolonged sunbathing may also be associated with the development of skin cancer, US scientists say, given their current findings. It is clear that there is a direct correlation between changes in the RNA molecule and the onset of sunburn, according to researcher Richard Gallo from the Department of Dermatology at the University of California at San Diego in the journal Nature Medicine. By experimenting with mice and testing cell cultures, US scientists have demonstrated that damage to the corneal RNA molecule initiates a process that causes inflammation of the skin and sunburn. This process was also completely independent of the sun exposure observed when the damaged RNA molecules were injected into mice, the statement of Gallo and colleagues.

UV light causes sunburn, accelerates skin aging and skin cancer
It has long been known that "exposure to UV-B radiation from the sun can cause sunburn, premature aging and cancer, but the mechanism responsible for the acute inflammation of the skin has not been well understood," the researchers say Specialized journal "Nature Medicine". "We have identified new approaches to understanding the effects of ultraviolet radiation and preventing damage," said Jamie Bernard of the University of California at San Diego. Although UV-B radiation accounts for only a small part of the total solar radiation, it is particularly harmful and the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer. So far, the assumption was that the UV rays cause damage to the genetic molecules of DNA and cause uncontrolled cell growth that manifests as skin cancer. However, the US researchers have now shown that the damaged RNA molecules could also have an influence on the development of melanoma (skin cancer). The RNA molecules activate substances and reactions that are considered to be possible causes of skin cancer, write Richard Gallo and colleagues.

Altered RN molecules as a cause of sunburn
To discuss why an excess of sunbeams does not produce the desired tan, but also often a sunburn, in which the skin turns red as a result of the inflammatory reaction, burns painful and even blisters in the worst case, the researchers irradiated cultures of human corneal cells with UV -B light. The irradiated cells were then resolved and added to other healthy cell cultures. Then also the non-irradiated skin cells produced inflammatory substances that are considered to cause the sunburn, write the US researchers. Subsequent investigations and genetic analysis revealed that the RNA molecules in the skin cells were damaged by the UV-B rays, causing reactions in the cell cultures to be considered as possible triggers of sunburn, write Gallo and colleagues. The RNA molecules are produced in the nucleus and have a decisive influence on gene regulation, the US researchers continue. The UV-B radiation had changed the RNA molecules so that they could connect to a docking site in the skin cells. This docking is responsible for the production of the pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor alpha, which is particularly common in sun-burnt skin.

New therapies possible
On the basis of the current findings, US scientists may be able to develop new therapies in the future, for example, with which, for example, people suffering from morbid photosensitive skin could be treated. In addition, the new findings on possible RNA involvement in the development of skin cancer could be used to significantly improve the prevention and treatment of melanoma. (Fp)

Also read:
Prevent sunburn: but how?
First aid with sunburn
How to protect yourself from sunburn?
UV rays: Unconditional protection against sunburn
Skin cancer: Dangerous spring sun in bald head