How the Molecular Vibrations of Water May Prevent Skin Cancer
Abstract
Studies have shown that when DNA absorbs ultraviolet light it can become structurally damaged leading to a mutation and possibly skin cancer. However, exposing skin to sunlight rarely leads to a mutation. This indicates that after the ultraviolet light is absorbed by the DNA the energy from the light can either cause a structural change to the DNA (a mutation) or be dissipated in a way that does not damage the DNA. Absorption of ultraviolet light causes molecular vibrations in DNA and these vibrations are what likely leads to structural changes in the DNA. One way the structural changes could be avoided is by vibrational energy transfer from DNA to nearby water molecules. To investigate this potential mechanism, molecular dynamics simulations and electronic structure calculations have been performed on model systems for DNA base pairs. These calculations have given insight into if vibrational energy transfer between DNA and nearby water molecules is feasible, which in turn has provided a greater understanding of a potential mechanism by which skin cancer is avoided.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Brian Van Hoozen, Dr. Maria Ballester
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
How the Molecular Vibrations of Water May Prevent Skin Cancer
Alvin Sherman Library
Studies have shown that when DNA absorbs ultraviolet light it can become structurally damaged leading to a mutation and possibly skin cancer. However, exposing skin to sunlight rarely leads to a mutation. This indicates that after the ultraviolet light is absorbed by the DNA the energy from the light can either cause a structural change to the DNA (a mutation) or be dissipated in a way that does not damage the DNA. Absorption of ultraviolet light causes molecular vibrations in DNA and these vibrations are what likely leads to structural changes in the DNA. One way the structural changes could be avoided is by vibrational energy transfer from DNA to nearby water molecules. To investigate this potential mechanism, molecular dynamics simulations and electronic structure calculations have been performed on model systems for DNA base pairs. These calculations have given insight into if vibrational energy transfer between DNA and nearby water molecules is feasible, which in turn has provided a greater understanding of a potential mechanism by which skin cancer is avoided.
