A life history perspective on skin cancer and the evolution of skin pigmentation

Bibliographic Data

ID8316144
AuthorsDaniel L Osborne (Department of Anthropology University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Lincoln NE, corresponding author), R Hames (0000-0002-6931-3342, University of Nebraska–Lincoln)
Year2014
Volume153
Issue1
Pages1-8
Publication date2014-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-9483 • E-ISSN: 1096-8644
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ajpa.22408
PMID24459698
OpenAlexW2104082076
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited78

The ancestral state of human skin pigmentation evolved in response to high ultraviolet radiation (UVR) stress. Some argue that pigmentation evolved to limit folate photolysis, therein limiting neural tube defects. Pigmentation also protects against sunburn which decreases the efficiency of sweating and potentiates skin infection. Pigmentation increases the efficacy of skin as a barrier to infection. Skin cancer has been rejected or minimized as a selective pressure because it is believed to have little or no effect on mortality during reproductive years. This argument ignores evidence of human longevity as a derived life history trait and the adaptive value of investment in offspring and kin, particularly during the post‐reproductive lifespan. Opponents argue that lifespan in prehistoric hunter‐gatherers was too short to be relevant to the evolution of skin pigmentation. This argument is flawed in that it relies on estimates of longevity at birth rather than adolescence. When appropriate estimates are used, it is clear that human longevity has a deep evolutionary history. We use a life history perspective to demonstrate the value of skin pigmentation as an adaptation to skin cancer with the following points: UVR exposure increases dysregulation of gene expression in skin cells leading to immortal cell lines; cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) affects individuals throughout reproductive years; and lifespan was longer than has previously been acknowledged, providing the opportunity for kin selection. This hypothesis is not at odds with the folate or barrier hypotheses. We stress that the evolution of skin pigmentation is complex and is an ongoing process. Am J Phys Anthropol 153:1–8, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Biology · Cancer · Evolutionary biology · Human skin · Longevity · Niche construction · Offspring · Pregnancy · Skin Aging · Skin cancer · Sunburn · Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies · Dermatology · Genetics · Medicine · melanin and skin pigmentation · Skin Protection and Aging