Ultraviolet-induced collagen degradation

Ultraviolet-induced collagen degradation refers to the process by which UV irradiation, particularly UV-A and UV-B, leads to both direct structural damage and indirect enzymatic degradation of collagen fibers, especially type I collagen in the skin. UV exposure causes accumulation of reactive oxygen species and free radicals, direct photochemical cleavage of collagen chains, and upregulation of extracellular enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which further degrade collagen[1][2][4]. The result is loss of dermal collagen content, reduced structural integrity, increased skin wrinkling, and other features of photoaging. This process contributes to skin fragility, chronic remodeling, and can play a pathogenic role in photoaged or cancer-prone skin[1][3][4]. "Ultraviolet-induced collagen degradation" does not correspond to a specific molecular target but rather a damage process affecting the protein collagen (mainly type I), primarily through photooxidative mechanisms and enzymatic upregulation. If structured information is required for a true drug target, consider specifying "Type I collagen" or "Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1)" as the relevant target molecule.

Other names

Collagen photo-degradationUV-induced collagen breakdown

Not applicable; indirect mechanisms involve suppression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity or protection from UV damage