Chemiexcitation of melanin and melanoma pathogenesis

Abstract

Solar radiation is an ultimate source of energy for the existence of life on earth. The UV radiation is a part of solar radiation that acts as a carcinogenic agent by the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). Earlier studies documented the mechanism of CPD formation in the presence of UV light instantly but recent studies showed the damage of DNA is continuing even after the exposure of UV light till hours. The mechanism of this delayed or dark CPD resembles with chemiluminescence process. The study further detailed the key role of melanocytes in this process of dark CPD formation by chemiexcitation of melanin pigment. Melanin gets excited to higher energy level after UV exposure by the production of free radicals like nitric oxide and superoxide. Thus, this excitation of melanin pigments is responsible factor for damage of DNA after exposure of longer wavelength of UVA which ultimately promotes melanoma pathogenesis. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2019.