The Relationship Between Ultraviolet B and DNA Methylation in Skin Cancers

Abstract

Ultraviolet B is regarded as an important factor in many skin diseases, especially skin cancers. Increasingly more evidence is showing that changes in DNA methylation occur in patients with skin cancers. Changes in DNA methylation have also been observed in ultraviolet B-irradiated cells and mouse models. DNA methylation modifier enzymes are simultaneously affected. We herein review the evidence to date showing that Ultraviolet B affects changes in DNA methylation modifier enzymes in skin cancers. However, the mechanism of how ultraviolet B regulates the changes in DNA methylation modifier enzymes remains to be further elucidated. Understanding the mechanism by which ultraviolet B modulates DNA methylation modifier enzymes can help to identify potential therapeutic markers or targets and develop novel strategies for preventing or treating ultraviolet B-induced skin damage.