Summary of RNA: What if we were wrong on the origin of sunburns?

Who has never regretted falling asleep on the beach without sunscreen? As we know, the sunburn is a painful inflammatory response. But it seems that we have been deceived on its origin. According to a new study, published in the journal Molecular Cell, this reaction would not be triggered by damage to DNA which leads to the death of skin cells, as commonly accepted.

The crucial role of Messenger RNA

As part of this study, the researchers conducted tests on normal mice and genetically modified mice so as not to have a stress response to Zak-Alpha. This protein helps to alert the poor production of proteins from RNA.

According to Sciencealerlet, they exposed these two types of mouse to ultraviolet radiation and discovered that without Zak-Alpha, the cells of the mice exposed to ultraviolet radiation did not burn normally, which suggests that damage to RNA could also be essential to the sensitivity of our body to the sun. Damage to RNA could be a crucial factor in the way our body reacts to the sun.

After tests on human skins, the team has shown that significant changes in the messenger RNA of a cell caused the cell stopping and the response of the immune system.

The sunburn damages RNA more than DNA

In this study, the researchers were surprised to discover that the sunburn was not caused by a rupture in DNA but in the RNA. DNA contains genetic information from the body and serves as a model for protein synthesis, while RNA is a form of ribonucleotide acid which allows to copy and disseminate genetic information.

According to Anna Constance Vind, a molecular biologist at the University of Copenhagen, the very term of “sunburn” would therefore be inaccurate. Unlike low intensity thermal burns, which result from heat and which disturb the proteins of our body, the damage caused by the sunburn would come from prolonged doses of ultraviolet radiation which would damage the RNA.

By continuing to explore the consequences of RNA damage and its role in stress responses, scientists could find ways to better treat sunburn and other affections exacerbated by sun exposure.