Zanchetta LM, Garcia A, Lyng F, Walsh J, Murphy JE.
International journal of radiation biology · 2011
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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.