Phototherapy of epithelial cells in the presence of visible light and its influence on cell damage and regeneration

• Grant number: 24/19384-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics - Cellular Biophysics
• Principal Investigator: Mauricio da Silva Baptista
• Grantee: Murilo Ferri Pierina
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The present project aims to elucidate the influence of visible radiation, specifically blue and red wavelengths, on the processes of damage/inhibition and activation of skin cells. The literature describes that exposure to red light is related to cell activation. On the other hand, blue light is generally associated with harm. Visible light is capable of reaching both the dermis and epidermis. However, a comparative response between these two skin layers in response to visible light has not yet been described. In this context, we will evaluate the processes of cell activation and damage using representative cells from these layers of the skin, immortalized human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. We will evaluate cell migration to analyze the population of the injured region concomitantly with XTT/Presto-Blue cell viability assays to analyze cell viability and reproduction. Damage to nuclear DNA will also be assessed by comet assay and lesions in lysosomes.