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The role of opsin 5 in the skin’s response to ultraviolet radiation
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.20533
Subject(s) - ultraviolet radiation , human skin , dermatology , trichromacy , ultraviolet light , biology , genetics , medicine , computer science , chemistry , physics , optoelectronics , artificial intelligence , radiochemistry , color vision
Linked Article: Lan et al. Br J Dermatol 2021; 185 :391–404. The skin provides a protective barrier from the external environment. Human skin is constantly exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Solar UVR is known as the main factor for stimulating pigmentation of the skin. UVR‐induced pigmentation is a protective response as a result of a process called melanogenesis in human epidermal melanocytes. This provides protection from UVR‐induced damage. However, the molecular mechanisms used by human epidermal melanocytes to detect and respond to UVR are not fully understood. We know that a family of light‐detecting proteins called opsins (OPNs) are involved. However, the exact role that OPN5 plays in how melanocytes react to UVR and lead to melanogenesis is still unclear. In our study, we demonstrate that OPN5 is the key sensor in human epidermal melanocytes responsible for melanogenesis induced by UVR. We now understand more about how OPN5‐mediated melanin production is activated, and the complex pathway involved. In addition, OPN5 plays an essential role in the synthesis of melanocyte pigments. Our research provides insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in this protective process involving UVR and human skin melanocytes and therefore may help reveal targets for preventing skin cancer or pigment diseases.