Researchers from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, at Harvard University in Massachusetts, have reported recently in the journal Cell that p53 is activated when the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays damage DNA, the genetic material within the body. Also called tumor protein 53, the highly beneficial p53 protein regulates cell division and, by doing so, helps to reduce the chance of cancerous cells forming.

When p53 is activated, alpha-MSH is produced. Alpha-MSH is a peptide hormone that stimulates the production and activation of the pigment melanin. Any naturally occurring dark pigments found in skin and hair of humans and fur and feathers of animals is called melanin.

UV rays from the Sun help to produce vitamin D in the body, which helps to maintain strength in bones. However, overexposure to UV rays, especially around the middle of the day when the Sun is high in the sky, can cause skin cancer and premature wrinkling of the skin.

The Dana-Farber researchers hope that in the future people will be able to safely tan their skins without the use of the Sun or artificially made products.

[revised 3/11/07, wa]

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