Ultraviolet radiation-induced inflammation activates β-catenin signaling in mouse skin and skin tumors.

UVB-induced inflammation, in particular the overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin (PG) E2, has been implicated in photocarcinogenesis. UVB-induced COX-2 has been associated with β-catenin signaling in keratinocytes. However, a definitive role for COX-2 in the activation of β-catenin signaling as well as its role in UVB-induced skin tumors has not been established. We report that exposure of the skin to UVB resulted in a time- and dose-dependent activation of β-catenin in C3H/HeN mice. This response was COX-2-dependent as UVB-exposed COX-2-deficient mice exhibited significantly lower levels of UVB-induced activation of β-catenin. Moreover, treatment of mice with indomethacin, a COX-2 inhibitor, and an EP2 antagonist inhibited UVB-induced β-catenin signaling. Exposure of SKH-1 hairless mice to UVB radiation (180 mJ/cm2) 3 times a week for 24 weeks resulted in activation of β-catenin signaling in UVB-irradiated skin as well as UVB-induced skin tumors. Concomitantly, the levels of CK1α and GSK-3β, which are responsible for β-catenin signaling, were reduced while the levels of c-Myc and cyclin D1, which are downstream targets of β-catenin, were increased. To further verify the role of UVB-induced inflammation in activation of β-catenin signaling, a high-fat-diet model was used. Administration of high-fat diet exacerbated UVB-induced inflammation. Administration of the high-fat diet enhanced β-catenin signaling and the levels of its downstream targets (c-Myc, cyclin D1, cyclin D2, MMP-2 and MMP-9) in UVB-exposed skin and skin tumors in SKH-1 mice. These data suggest that UV-induced COX-2/PGE2 stimulates β-catenin signaling, and that β-catenin activation may contribute to skin carcinogenesis.