Deregulation of the pathways involved in the death and survival of sunburn cells leads to the development of UV-induced skin cancer say Belgian researchers.

© National Cancer Institute

Skin cancer is the most common of all human cancers and its incidence is increasing at an alarming rate due to the thinning of the ozone layer. It is well known that exposure to UVB from sunlight causes DNA damage. Skin cancers develop when this damage affects genes that control the growth and division of skin cells.

Garmyn and colleagues at the Catholic University of Leuven have assessed the major pathways regulating the death and survival of sunburn cells exposed to UVB. Our protective mechanism removes sunburn cells with DNA damage. However, deregulation of this mechanism can be caused by chronic UVB irradiation leading to skin malignancy.

Debora Giovanelli