The DOI matches its Crossref record; 38 of the 38 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Mediates UVB Radiation–Induced Skin Tanning
Open accessAbstract
Melanogenesis is the vital response to protect skin cells against UVB-induced DNA damage. Melanin is produced by melanocytes, which transfer it to surrounding keratinocytes. Recently, we have shown that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is part of the UVB-stress response in epidermal keratinocytes. UVB triggers AhR signaling by generating the AhR ligand 6-formylindolo(3,2-b)carbazole from tryptophan. We show here that normal murine melanocytes express functional AhR. Using standard UVB tanning protocols, AhR-deficient mice were shown to tan significantly weaker than wild-type mice; in these mice, tyrosinase activity in the epidermis was lower as well. Tanning responses and tyrosinase activity, however, were normal in keratinocyte-specific conditional AhR knockout mice, indicating that release of melanogenic keratinocyte factors is unaffected by the UVB-AhR signaling pathway and that the diminished tanning response in AhR(-/-) mice is confined to the level of melanocytes. Accordingly, the number of dihydroxyphenylalanin-positive melanocytes increased significantly less on UVB irradiation in AhR(-/-) mice than in wild-type mice. This difference in melanocyte number was associated with a significantly reduced expression of stem cell factor-1 and c-kit in melanocytes of AhR(-/-) mice. Thus, the environmental signal sensor AhR links solar UVB radiation to skin pigmentation.
Overview
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
In the citing paper
“PAHs are potent activators of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is a ligand-dependent transcription factor expressed in keratinocytes and melanocytes (Fritsche et al. 2007; Jux et al. 2011).”
From Particulate matter 2.5 damages skin cells by inducing oxidative stress, subcellular organelle dysfunction, and apoptosis (2018) · cites this paper as Jux et al. 2011
Citations
Cites
Denison, M. S., & Nagy, S. R. (2003) · Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology · doi:10.1146/annurev.pharmtox.43.100901.135828 · Cited by 1,895
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor links TH17-cell-mediated autoimmunity to environmental toxins
Veldhoen, M., Hirota, K., Westendorf, A. M., Buer, J., Dumoutier, L., Renauld, J.-C., & Stockinger, B. (2008) · Nature · doi:10.1038/nature06881 · Cited by 1,634
Dominant role of the niche in melanocyte stem-cell fate determination
Nishimura, E. K., Jordan, S. A., Oshima, H., Yoshida, H., Osawa, M., Moriyama, M., Jackson, I. J., Barrandon, Y., Miyachi, Y., & Nishikawa, S. (2002) · Nature · doi:10.1038/416854a · Cited by 906
Schmidt, J. V., Su, G. H., Reddy, J. K., Simon, M. C., & Bradfield, C. A. (1996) · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1073/pnas.93.13.6731 · Cited by 902
AH RECEPTOR SIGNALING PATHWAYS
Schmidt, J. V., & Bradfield, C. A. (1996) · Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology · doi:10.1146/annurev.cellbio.12.1.55 · Cited by 899
Cloning of the Ah-receptor cDNA reveals a distinctive ligand-activated transcription factor.
Burbach, K. M., Poland, A., & Bradfield, C. A. (1992) · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1073/pnas.89.17.8185 · Cited by 831
The mammalian basic helix–loop–helix/PAS family of transcriptional regulators
Kewley, R. J., Whitelaw, M. L., & Chapman‐Smith, A. (2003) · The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology · doi:10.1016/s1357-2725(03)00211-5 · Cited by 602
Physiological factors that regulate skin pigmentation
Yamaguchi, Y., & Hearing, V. J. (2009) · BioFactors · doi:10.1002/biof.29 · Cited by 495
Fritsche, E., Schäfer, C., Calles, C., Bernsmann, T., Bernshausen, T., Wurm, M., Hübenthal, U., Cline, J. E., Hajimiragha, H., Schroeder, P., et al. (2007) · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1073/pnas.0701764104 · Cited by 437
Self-citationRannug, A., Rannug, U., Rosenkranz, H. S., Winqvist, L., Westerholm, R. N., Agurell, E., & Grafström, A.-K. (1987) · Journal of Biological Chemistry · doi:10.1016/s0021-9258(18)47743-5 · Cited by 357
Self-citation
Flagged first, then by citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Items 101–155 of 155
Lissner, M. M., Cumnock, K., Davis, N. M., Vilches-Moure, J. G., Basak, P., Navarrete, D. J., Allen, J. A., & Schneider, D. S. (2020) · eLife · doi:10.7554/elife.60165 · Cited by 13
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as a Therapeutical Target of Environmentally Induced Skin Conditions
Freitas, C. A., da Silva, M. S., Santos, B. A. M. C., & Rodrigues, C. R. (2023) · Molecular Pharmacology · doi:10.1124/molpharm.122.000627 · Cited by 11
Action spectrum of melanoblast maturation and involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor
Nakamura, M., Nishida, E., & Morita, A. (2016) · Experimental Dermatology · doi:10.1111/exd.13088 · Cited by 11
Liu, B., Xie, Y., & Wu, Z. (2020) · Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · doi:10.1155/2020/8838656 · Cited by 12
Hartung, F., Krutmann, J., & Haarmann‐Stemmann, T. (2025) · Free Radical Biology and Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2025.03.040 · Cited by 9
Self-citationThe effects of UVB irradiance on vitiligo phototherapy and UVB‐induced photocarcinogenesis
Yang, T., Chiu, S., & Lan, C. E. (2020) · Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine · doi:10.1111/phpp.12536 · Cited by 8
Chen, Z., Li, Y., Nie, S., & Wu, Z. (2023) · Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology · doi:10.2147/ccid.s412124 · Cited by 8
Aarnio, V., Heikkinen, L., Peltonen, J., Goldsteins, G., Lakso, M., & Wong, G. (2014) · Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part D Genomics and Proteomics · doi:10.1016/j.cbd.2013.12.001 · Cited by 8
Emerging mechanisms of microplastic-induced skin diseases: a perspective from the gut–skin axis
Zhang, X., Zheng, P., Yang, M., Huang, Y., Liu, E., Liu, A., Zhang, H., & Guo, J. (2026) · Journal of Translational Medicine · doi:10.1186/s12967-025-07300-w · Cited by 7
Impact of Air Pollution on Skin Pigmentation: Mechanisms and Protective Strategies
Khunger, N., & Dash, A. (2025) · International Journal of Dermatology · doi:10.1111/ijd.17867 · Cited by 9
Decoding tryptophan: Pioneering new frontiers in systemic lupus erythematosus
Huang, F., Sun, K., Zhou, J., Bao, J., Xie, G., Lu, K., & Fan, Y. (2025) · Autoimmunity Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2025.103809 · Cited by 6
Genetic variants affecting chemical mediated skin immunotoxicity
de Souza, I. R., de Araujo‐Souza, P. S., & Leme, D. M. (2022) · Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part B · doi:10.1080/10937404.2021.2013372 · Cited by 5
Bouchard, K. V., & Costin, G. (2023) · Frontiers in Toxicology · doi:10.3389/ftox.2023.1256399 · Cited by 6
Skinspan: A Holistic Roadmap for Extending Skin Longevity With Evidence‐Based Interventions
Kream, E. J., Fabi, S. G., & Boen, M. (2025) · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · doi:10.1111/jocd.70432 · Cited by 5
Yang, J., Qiao, P., Wang, G., & Dang, E. (2025) · Cell Biochemistry and Function · doi:10.1002/cbf.70047 · Cited by 8
Influence of cellular redox environment on aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands induced melanogenesis
Ghaffarian‐Bahraman, A., Arabnezhad, M., Keshavarzi, M., Davani-Davari, D., Jamshidzadeh, A., & Mohammadi‐Bardbori, A. (2021) · Toxicology in Vitro · doi:10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105282 · Cited by 5
Esser, C. (2021) · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · doi:10.3390/ijms22041844 · Cited by 5
Self-citationThe aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway plays a central role in the cutaneous response to pollutants
Guillon, C., Meziani, M., Abdelli, S., Sigaudo‐Roussel, D., Bonod‐Bidaud, C., & Nosbaum, A. (2022) · European Journal of Dermatology · doi:10.1684/ejd.2022.4262 · Cited by 5
Abbasi, S. A., & Abbasi, T. (2017) · SpringerBriefs in environmental science · doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-6710-0_4 · Cited by 4
Functions of AHR-1 and CYP-35A subfamily genes in caenorhabditis elegans
Aarnio, V. (2014) · UEF eRepo (University of Eastern Finland) · Cited by 4
Schalka, S., Bechelli, L., Bombarda, P. C. P., & de Abreu, F. F. (2016) · Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology · doi:10.5935/scd1984-8773.201681753 · Cited by 3
Justiniano, R., & Wondrak, G. T. (2016) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-43157-4_16 · Cited by 3
Photodynamische Therapie (PDT)
Hommel, T., & Szeimies, R. (2018) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-662-56436-3_18 · Cited by 3
Photodynamische Therapie (PDT)
Babilas, P., & Szeimies, R. (2012) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-642-29910-0_25 · Cited by 3
UV-induced Signaling: Role of Reactive Oxygen Species
Klotz, L. (2015) · Oxidative stress in applied basic research and clinical practice · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-19096-9_17 · Cited by 2
The Kollias legacy: Skin autofluorescence and beyond
Bargo, P. R., Doukas, A. G., González, S., Menon, G. K., Pappas, A., Ruvolo, E., & Stamatas, G. N. (2017) · Experimental Dermatology · doi:10.1111/exd.13330 · Cited by 2
Ambient Particulate Matter and Skin
Vierkötter, A., Krutmann, J., & Schikowski, T. (2017) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-43102-4_9 · Cited by 2
Self-citationVrzal, R., Grycová, A., & Vrzalová, A. (2025) · Toxicology Letters · doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2025.09.001 · Cited by 1
The Relationship Between Sensitive Skin and Skin Aging in Han Chinese
Dimmers, F., Wigmann, C., Zhang, T., Czech, P., Wang, S., Krutmann, J., & Schikowski, T. (2025) · Experimental Dermatology · doi:10.1111/exd.70190 · Cited by 1
Self-citationYang, W., Meng, X., Liu, T., Chen, N., Li, D., & Xu, Y. (2026) · Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology · doi:10.2147/ccid.s594944 · Cited by 4
Hommel, T., & Szeimies, R.-M. (2022) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-90680-1_18 · Cited by 1
The Toxin of the Year: Airborne PM 2.5
Rolfes, K. M., Singh, N., Haarmann‐Stemmann, T., & Krutmann, J. (2025) · Dermatitis · doi:10.1177/17103568251385571 · Cited by 1
Self-citationMelanoma Cell Signalling: Looking Beyond RAS-RAF-MEK
Muthusamy, V., & Terrence, J. (2011) · InTech eBooks · doi:10.5772/26725 · Cited by 1
The Physiological Role of AHR in the Mouse Immune System
Esser, C. (2011) · doi:10.1002/9781118140574.ch34 · Cited by 1
Self-citationDankert, J., Oldhoff, J., & Kuipers, J. S. (1967) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.4.5571.68 · Cited by 1
Elucidating transcription factor regulation by TCDD within the hs1,2 enhancer
Ochs, S. D. (2012) · CORE Scholar (Wright State University)
Gehring, W. (2014) · Aktuelle Dermatologie · doi:10.1055/s-0034-1377700
Roles of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in the Skin
Takahara, M. (2014) · The Nishinihon Journal of Dermatology · doi:10.2336/nishinihonhifu.76.311
Krutmann, J. (2014)
Self-citationMolekulares Verständnis der ex- und intrinsischen Vorgänge
Makrantonaki, E., Vogel, M., Scharffetter‐Kochanek, K., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2016) · ästhetische dermatologie & kosmetologie · doi:10.1007/s12634-016-5177-1
Marrot, L. (2016) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-43157-4_8
Umweltverschmutzung und Hautalterung
(2011) · Journal für Ästhetische Chirurgie · doi:10.1007/s12631-011-0145-0
Schalka, S., Bechelli, L., Camarano, P., Bombarda, P., & de Abreu, F. F. (2016)
Pearl Chapter: Basis of Photoaging and the Use of Chemical Peelings
Montagner, S., & COSTA, A. V. (2020) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-78265-2_2
da Silva, C. N., Grassi, T. F., Miot, H. A., & Espósito, A. C. C. (2025) · Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia · doi:10.1016/j.abd.2025.501181
da Silva, C. N., Grassi, T. F., Miot, H. A., & Espósito, A. C. C. (2025) · Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia (Versão em Português) · doi:10.1016/j.abdp.2025.501181
Makrantonaki, E., & Kostaras, S. (2025) · Deutsche Dermatologie · doi:10.1007/s15011-025-7042-x
Rôle de Dicer dans la pigmentation et sa régulation par les UVB dans le lignage mélanocytaire
Bertrand, J. U. (2017) · theses.fr (ABES) · doi:10.70675/4d5b21aezf7a8z4d57zb147z7e36c3e68c26
Identification et modulation des voies moléculaires impliquées dans l’agressivité du mélanome cutané
Gautron, A. (2019) · theses.fr (ABES) · doi:10.70675/b9c75939z7407z49abzafcbze6e92703d459
Role of MAPK Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Vitiligo
Liu, Y., Yuan, Y., Shi, X., Sun, R., & Ding, X. (2026) · Current Issues in Molecular Biology · doi:10.3390/cimb48060546
Vera-Chang, M. N., Danforth, J. M., Stuart, M., Brand, M., Goodarzi, A. A., & Richardson, R. B. (2026) · Current Zoology · doi:10.1093/eep/dvag020
The AHR–TFAP2A axis regulates melanosome transport by directly targeting myosin Va and Mlph
Sung, H.-Y., Jo, C. S., Hairu, Z., Baek, G. C., You, C. M., & Hwang, J. S. (2026) · Journal of Investigative Dermatology · doi:10.1016/j.jid.2026.08.019
Hartung, F., Reichert, D., Hacheney, I., Rossi, A., & Haarmann‐Stemmann, T. (2026) · Archives of Toxicology · doi:10.1007/s00204-026-04574-x
Metadata
- Authors
- Jux, B., Kadow, S., Luecke, S., Rannug, A., Krutmann, J., & Esser, C.
- Affiliations
- Leibniz Institute of Environmental Medicine (DE)
- Karolinska Institutet (SE)
- Corresponding author
- Esser, Charlotte
- Venue
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2011-01
- Volume
- 131
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 203-210
- ISSN
- 0022-202X (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1966603244
- Cited by
- 156
- References
- 38
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 12
- FWCI
- 5.03
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › melanin and skin pigmentation
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Skin Protection and Aging
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Melanoma and MAPK Pathways
- Keywords
- aryl hydrocarbon receptor, UV-B radiation, tanning, melanogenesis, melanocytes, keratinocytes, FICZ, tryptophan metabolism, tyrosinase activity, CD117, melanocyte proliferation, skin pigmentation, conditional knockout mice
- MeSH terms
- Epidermal Cells, Animals, Cell Count, Cell Differentiation, Cells, Cultured, Epidermis, Melanins, Melanocytes, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Skin Pigmentation, Ultraviolet Rays, Keratinocytes, Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon, Mice, Knockout, Mice
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
