Funding: Burn or tan?

24 March 2006

Researchers led by Dr Anna Nicolaou at the University of Bradford are examining the biological mechanisms underlying sunburn, and why it particularly affects people who tan poorly.

Tanning involves the production of melanin by particular cells in the skin, melanocytes. With new project grant funding, the Bradford researchers are testing the novel idea that melanocytes that are not actively producing melanin secrete inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide and a pro-inflammatory hormone, prostaglandin E2, which cause the symptoms of sunburn.

They will also test the idea that melanocortins – hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and that control the degree of pigmentation in melanocytes – play a key role in tanning and sunburn by stimulating melanin production and inhibiting prostaglandin production. This could explain why people who readily tan tend to avoid sunburn, unlike pale-skinned people.

The group will compare the effects of artificial sunlight on volunteers who are prone to sunburn or who tan poorly.

The work could also confirm the melanocyte as a potential target in the treatment of sunburn and other inflammatory skin disorders.

Image credit: Anthea Sieveking