Photoagene? Susceptibility to Sun Damage Is Genetic

Researchers locate a single nucleotide polymorphism that is associated with less photoaging of the facial skin.

Ultraviolet radiation causes photodamage. Genetic factors are important in this process; photoaging is delayed and less severe in people with inherited skin types V and VI than in people with inherited skin types I and II. However, aged skin manifests differently even in Caucasians. Some people have deep wrinkling, elastosis, or lentigines, while others have skin atrophy, focal depigmentation, or dysplastic change.

To identify genetic factors that influence susceptibility to photoaging, investigators performed a genome-wide association study on 502 middle-aged, French Caucasian women using a high-throughput beadchip. Photoaging was assessed using a 6-point global scale to score facial photographs, with secondary endpoints of weighted, anatom…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)