Singlet oxygen mediates the activation of JNK by UVA radiation in human skin fibroblasts.

Ultraviolet A (UVA: 320-400 nm) radiation activates c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK 2) in human skin fibroblasts. Exposure of cells to UVA (300 kJ/m2) led to a 5-fold induction of JNK-activity which was significantly increased in the presence of D2O, an enhancer of the lifetime of singlet oxygen. Sodium azide, a quencher of singlet oxygen, abolished the activation of JNK. A hydroxyl radical scavenger, mannitol, had no effect. Furthermore, photochemically produced singlet oxygen (Rose Bengal plus white light) was found to induce JNK activity. This was enhanced by D2O and inhibited by azide. Thus, singlet oxygen activates and mediates the UVA-induced activation of JNK.