Role of Vitamin D and other compounds in protection of skin cells from UV

Summary

This study examines how vitamin D compounds protect skin from sun or UV-induced DNA and other damage.

Supervisor(s)

Professor Rebecca Mason

Research Location

Camperdown - School of Medical Sciences - Bosch Institute

Program Type

PHD

Synopsis

Our group has shown that vitamin D compounds, which are well known to be made in skin, have an important physiological function in skin to protect skin cells from the damaging effects of UV radiation. Cell death, mainly by apoptosis after UV exposure, is significantly reduced in skin cells after treatment with vitamin D metabolites. We have also shown that DNA damage is reduced in surviving cells. We now have evidence that the protective effects, including protection from UV-induced immunosuppression are present in mice. Preliminary studies show a reduction in sunburn cells in human subjects. The project will examine some likely mechanisms of action of the vitamin D compounds. These are likely to include enhanced activity of the tumour suppressor p53 and reduced nitric oxide products.

Additional Information

Techniques include skin cell culture, advanced imaging, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, protein and mRNA expression.

Keywords

Skin Cancer, Squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, Vitamin D, Photoprotection, Ultraviolet light, DNA damage, Skin cells, Therapeutics & adverse drug effects, Cancer & leukaemia, Liver & hormonal disorders, Cell biology, Health & lifestyle, Human body, Pharmacology & therapeutics

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 10