Sun exposure, opsins, melanogenesis and melanoma development. A mechanistic in-vitro study

• Grant number: 22/14746-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: January 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics - Radiology and Photobiology
• Principal Investigator: Mauricio da Silva Baptista
• Grantee: Eric Almeida Xavier
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07937-8 - Redoxome - Redox Processes in Biomedicine, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Sun exposure can cause several types of damage in the skin. Among the strategies for skin protection, blocking of sun radiation, UVA and UVB, stands out. However, UV radiation represents only 2% of the total irradiance of the sun, with the remaining 98% being visible and infrared radiation. The melanocytes, which are cells present in the stratum basale, are responsible for the production of melanin, a protective pigment, function and oxidizing function of the skin. However, melanin is also involved in several types of damage during and after sun exposure. Different responses of melanocytes to the most diverse patterns of sun exposure may be involved in the malignant transformation of melanocytes into melanoma cells. The responses of melanocytes to the solar stimulus are initiated through different types of photoreceptors, especially opsins. The biological responses initiated by opsins modulate several phenotypic transformations. The present project aims to elucidate the role of opsins in relation to melanogenesis and the development of melanomas. For this, Melan-A and melanoma B16-F10 melanocyte cells will be used as an in vitro model. Cell viability assays will be performed to establish the best light, PCR in real-time exposure and quantification of melanin in response to exposure.