Molecular switch prevents cell damage caused by UVB rays from sunlight
Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 03:00
in Biology & Nature
The protein Nrf2 plays a crucial role in tissue repair and in the protection against carcinogenesis. Cell biologists have now discovered a previously unknown role for this molecular switch, which activates numerous genes that protect cells from stress: it prevents cell damage in the skin caused by UVB rays from the sunlight. In addition, they unraveled the underlying mechanisms of action.