Curcumin targets YAP1 to promote mitochondrial function and autophagy and its protective effects against UVB induced photodamage in vitro and in vivo

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a key environmental factor causing skin damage through DNA damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen alterations. This study investigates curcumin’s protective effects on UVB-induced skin and keratinocyte damage using mouse models and HaCaT cells. We assessed cellular changes via viability, mitochondrial function, ROS, and apoptosis assays, and applied transcriptomics to uncover curcumin's molecular mechanisms, . Curcumin treatment notably ameliorated UVB-induced skin lesions and inflammation in vivo. In vitro, it counteracted UVB’s negative effects on HaCaT cells, enhancing viability and reducing apoptosis and ROS. Transcriptomic analysis showed curcumin upregulated YAP signaling and mitochondrial autophagy while inhibiting IL-18.