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Learn more about moderate UV exposure 
 March 8, 2007
"Guardian of the genome" protein found to underlie skin tanning
May also influence human fondness for sunshine
A protein known as the "master watchman of the genome" for its ability to guard against cancer-causing DNA damage
has been found to provide an entirely different level of cancer protection: By prompting the skin to tan in
response to ultraviolet light from the sun, it deters the development of melanoma skin cancer, the
fastest-increasing form of cancer in the world.
In a study in the March 9 issue of the journal Cell, researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute report
that the protein, p53, is not only linked to skin tanning, but also may play a role in people's seemingly
universal desire to be in the sun ? an activity that, by promoting tanning, can reduce one's risk of melanoma.
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