Mitophagy and mitochondrial morphology in human melanoma-derived cells post exposure to simulated sunlight.

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.

• Authors: Luciene M Zanchetta, Amaya Garcia, Fiona Lyng, James Walsh, James E J Murphy
• Journal: International journal of radiation biology (Int J Radiat Biol) Vol. 87 Issue 5 Pg. 506-17 (May 2011) ISSN: 1362-3095 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21381890 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Melanins
• Glutamine

Topics

• Autophagy
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Glutamine (metabolism)
• Humans
• Lysosomes (metabolism)
• Melanins (metabolism)
• Melanoma (metabolism, radiotherapy)
• Microscopy, Confocal (methods)
• Mitochondria (metabolism)
• Models, Biological
• Signal Transduction
• Skin (radiation effects)
• Skin Neoplasms (metabolism, radiotherapy)
• Sunlight
• Ultraviolet Rays