Roles of miRNAs in skin responses to ultraviolet radiation

Solar ultraviolet(UV)radiation is a ubiquitous carcinogenic environmental factor. Long-term exposure of human skin to UV radiation(particularly UVA and UVB)can cause a variety of adverse changes, such as erythema, pigmentation, immunosuppression, photoaging, skin neoplasms, and so on. To avoid these adverse changes and maintain genetic integrity, cells themselves have various protective mechanisms, including DNA repair, cell cycle block and apoptosis induction. Studies have indicated that miRNAs play important roles in various cellular reactions induced by UV radiation, and are associated with a series of adverse cutaneous reactions and dermatoses following UV radiation. Key words: MicroRNAs; Ultraviolet rays; Light; Wounds and injuries; Skin neoplasms