Influence of red light on melanocytes

• Grant number: 24/07666-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Mauricio da Silva Baptista
• Grantee: Anelise Freitas Sandei
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Solar energy encompasses photons with different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, which correspond to ultraviolet rays, totaling around 2% of solar radiation, visible and infrared light, which correspond to the remaining 98%. The wavelength spectrum of visible light is between 400 nanometers (nm) and 750 nm. Recent studies indicate that this light is capable of affecting melanocytes through melanin sensitization, causing a direct relationship between the amount of melanin present in the skin and the cellular damage generated. Red light (600 nm to 750 nm), in turn, is one of the lights emitted by the sun in the visible spectrum that is capable of activating cells and tissues. In fact, there is a clinical procedure called photobiomodulation that is used to treat a wide variety of diseases. However, the effect of this light on generating possible damage is not yet fully understood. Therefore, the present project aims to elucidate the role of red light (wavelength of 650 nm) in DNA damage and cellular structures, as well as evaluate the activation of viability and healing assay and analyze whether the amount of melanin influences these measurements.