1. Mitophagy and mitochondrial morphology in human melanoma-derived cells post exposure to simulated sunlight.
- Author
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Zanchetta, Luciene M., Garcia, Amaya, Lyng, Fiona, Walsh, James, and Murphy, James E. J.
- Subjects
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MITOCHONDRIA , *MELANOMA , *SUNSHINE , *MELANINS , *GLUTAMINE - Abstract
Purpose: To assess changes in mitochondrial morphology and mitophagy induced by simulated sunlight irradiation (SSI) and how these changes are modulated by mitochondrial activity and energy source. Materials and methods: Human malignant amelanotic melanoma A375 cells were pre-treated with either a mitochondrial activity enhancer, uncoupler or were either melanin or glutamine supplemented/starved for 4 hours pre-exposure to sunlight. A Q-Sun Solar Simulator (Q-Lab, Homestead, FL, USA) was employed to expose cells to simulated sunlight. Confocal microscopy imaging of A375 cells co-loaded with mitochondria and lysosome-specific fluorescent dyes was used to identify these organelles and predict mitophagic events. Results: SSI induces pronounced changes in mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy in exposed skin cells compared to control and these effects were modified by both glutamine and melanin. Conclusions: Mitochondrial dynamics and rate of mitophagy in melanoma cells are sensitive to even short bursts of environmentally relevant SSI. Mitochondrial dynamics, and its modulation, may also play a role in mitophagy regulation, cell survival and proliferation post SSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
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