New findings indicate that RNA, not DNA, is responsible for triggering sunburn, leading to a new understanding of UV skin damage and treatment. Enjoying the warmth and benefits of sunlight on a clear day can turn into a painful sunburn if exposed for too long. Sunburn, often considered an inconvenience, is actually a distress signal from your skin.
Traditionally, it was believed that DNA damage in skin cells caused sunburn, influencing how people viewed sun safety, treatment, and skin cancer risks. However, recent research conducted by scientists in Denmark and Singapore challenges this notion. The research reveals that it is RNA damage, not DNA damage, that initiates the response to sunburn.
When ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin, they harm cells at a deep level. Contrary to previous assumptions, it is messenger RNA (mRNA), not DNA, that is affected by these rays. RNA, which assists in translating DNA instructions into proteins, is now recognized as playing a crucial role in responding to UV radiation.
This groundbreaking discovery revolutionizes our understanding of sunburn and highlights the significance of protecting RNA, particularly mRNA, against UV damage. When mRNA is damaged by UV rays, it triggers a warning system within the body. Ribosomes, cellular structures that produce proteins using mRNA, respond by activating a protein called ZAK-alpha, initiating a protective mechanism known as the ribotoxic stress response.
The ZAK-alpha protein signals a problem to the body, leading to inflammation, cell death, and skin thickening—characteristic symptoms of sunburn. By investigating mice and human skin cells, researchers confirmed that this response is consistent across species. Furthermore, experiments involving the deletion of the ZAK gene in mice demonstrated the critical role of ZAK in the skin’s response to UV exposure.
Unlike DNA damage, which requires time to elicit a response, RNA damage provides a faster and more efficient defense mechanism against UV harm. This shift in understanding sheds light on the importance of safeguarding RNA integrity to maintain skin health and prevent sunburn-related damage.
On the contrary, RNA acts quickly due to its constant production and usage in large quantities, making it more susceptible to damage. This vulnerability makes RNA an ideal early-warning system. When exposed to UV rays, damaged RNA swiftly sends signals, prompting the body to defend itself before serious harm occurs. Anna Constance Vind noted, “The fact that something other than DNA controls the skin’s immediate reaction to UV radiation, and does so more efficiently and rapidly, represents a significant paradigm shift.”
This rapid response triggers the recruitment of immune cells to the affected area, leading to inflammation and peeling as the body eliminates damaged cells before they escalate. Studies on ZAK-deficient mice show that they are shielded from early immune cell infiltration in UVB-irradiated skin.
Reassessing Sun Protection and Skin Care
This groundbreaking discovery could revolutionize how sunburn and other sun-induced skin issues are treated. Recognizing that RNA, rather than DNA, initiates the skin’s defense mechanisms may inspire scientists to explore novel methods to enhance or inhibit this early response. Dr. Franklin Zhong stated, “Many inflammatory skin conditions worsen with sun exposure. Understanding the cellular response to UV damage paves the way for innovative treatments for certain chronic skin ailments.”
This revelation also necessitates updates in educational materials and future research. If RNA damage triggers the sunburn response, the focus of sun-related skin studies will need to be adjusted. Simon Bekker-Jensen remarked, “This new insight flips our current understanding on its head. Sunburn is commonly associated with DNA damage, but we now need to revise existing knowledge.”
RNA sequencing has uncovered ZAK-dependent and UVB-induced transcriptional patterns in human keratinocytes.
The Bigger Picture
Despite these findings, sunburn should not be underestimated as it escalates the risk of skin cancer and causes lasting harm. Sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade remain essential defenses. Understanding that RNA, not DNA, instigates the initial signs of damage sheds light on the body’s rapid response to sunlight, offering promise for improved skin treatments and enhanced sun protection in the future. With each new revelation, science progresses, empowering individuals to care for their bodies more effectively. The full research findings are available in the journal Molecular Cell (DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.00884-0).
Note: The article was provided by The Brighter Side of News. Enjoy uplifting stories like this? Subscribe to The Brighter Side of News newsletter.
