Molecular Aspects of Ultraviolet Radiation-induced Apoptosis in the Skin

BACKGROUND: Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is an essential physiological process that controls cell numbers during physiological processes, and eliminates abnormal cells that can potentially harm an organism. OBJECTIVE: This review summarizes our current state of knowledge of apoptosis induction in skin by UV radiation. METHODS: A review of the literature was undertaken focusing on cell death in the skin secondary to UV radiation. RESULTS: It is evident that a number of apoptotic pathways, both intrinsic and extrinsic, are induced following exposure to damaging UV radiation. CONCLUSION: Although our understanding of the apoptotic processes is gradually increasing, many important aspects remain obscure. These include interconnections between pathways, wavelength-specific differences and cell type differences.