Investigation of the mechanisms of blue light-induced biological effects on skin and skin cells

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Christian Opländer
• Subject Area: Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 403583563

Recent studies have shown that apart from UV radiation also visible light exerts biological effects. For the first time, we could demonstrate that blue light (410, 420, 453 nm) affects proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts in a dose- and wavelength-dependent manner. In addition, irradiation with shorter wavelengths (410, 420 nm) dose-dependently induces cell toxicity, whereas non-toxic doses and wavelength of 453 nm are able to inhibit proliferation and reduce the antioxidative capacity. Moreover, we found an inhibition of TGF-beta1-induced differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts by blue light irradiation. As a possible mechanism for the observed effects, the blue light-induced generation of reactive oxygen species are assumed, however, neither the molecular mechanisms nor the participating signal pathways are sufficiently elucidated. Within the scope of this project, we want to further characterize blue light-induced effects on dermal fibroblasts, skin specimen and differentiation, and identify the involved mechanisms and pathways. Moreover, the efficacy of blue light treatment will be investigated in a 3D wound healing model an human skin specimen. For a possible clinical approach, safety aspects such as blue light-induced DNA damages or reduced function of keratinocytes coupled with a delay of re-epithelisation will be assessed. We expect interesting results from this project, which in turn may relevant for the treatment and prevention of Dupuytren contractures, hypertrophic scars, keloids and scleroderma as well as skin photoaging.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigators: Professor Dr. Karl Köhrer; Professorin Dr. Ewa Klara Stürmer