UV light activates a Gαq/11-coupled phototransduction pathway in human melanocytes.

ABSTRACT: While short exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can elicit increased skin pigmentation, a protective response mediated by epidermal melanocytes, chronic exposure can lead to skin cancer and photoaging. However, the molecular mechanisms that allow human skin to detect and respond to UVR remain incompletely understood. UVR stimulates a retinal-dependent signaling cascade in human melanocytes that requires GTP hydrolysis and phospholipase C β (PLCβ) activity. This pathway involves the activation of transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) ion channels, an increase in intracellular Ca(2+), and an increase in cellular melanin content. Here, we investigated the identity of the G protein and downstream elements of the signaling cascade and found that UVR phototransduction is Gαq/11 depen

SUBMITTER: Bellono NW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4001771 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature