Light-Induced Processes of Cell Protection against Photodamage

G. Ya. Fraikin^*, M. G. Strakhovskaya, and A. B. Rubin

School of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119899 Russia; fax: (095) 939-1115; E-mail: marstr@biophys.msu.ru

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received October 19, 1998; Revision received September 21, 1999

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The processes of light-induced cell protection against photodamage, including DNA photorepair with involvement of photolyases and photoactivation of enzymatic synthesis of photoprotectors and antioxidants (flavonoids, carotenoids, melanins, serotonin, and hemoxygenase), are discussed. Mechanisms of photoprotective effects against photodynamic oxidation of membrane components and photodamage of DNA are analyzed.

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KEY WORDS: photomodulation of enzymatic activity, photoactive chromophores, endogenous photoprotectors, photodestructive reactions

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