Diversity Supplement for Amaro-Ortiz: The role of Mc1r in melanocytic UV-induced DNA damage and repair responses

Our laboratory is interested in defining mechanisms by which UV radiation promotes mutagenesis and carcinogenic transformation of melanocytes, specifically focusing on the role of the melanocortin 1 receptor (Mc1r), a trans-membrane Gs-coupled receptor. The NIH Grant under which this diversity supplement is being sought (5 R01 CA131075-02) contains three Specific Aims: (1) to characterize the mechanism of melanocortin 1 receptor (Mc1r)-mediated enhancement of nucleotide excision repair (NER), (2) to determine whether Mc1r signaling protects against UV-mediated oxidative damage, and (3) to determine the ability of pharmacologic Mc1r rescue to protect against UV damage. Ms. Amaro-Ortiz, the student relevant to this supplement application, is interested in conducting work outlined in Specific Aim 2 of the parent grant.