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An increased risk of melanoma among individuals with variants of the MC1R gene associated with red hair
Nov 6, 2024, 04:41

An increased risk of melanoma among individuals with variants of the MC1R gene associated with red hair

National Cancer Institute (NCI) shared a post on LinkedIn:

“On National Redhead Day, we’re highlighting research on the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene.

This gene controls the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color.

The cells that make melanin produce two forms—eumelanin and pheomelanin.

People with red hair produce mostly pheomelanin, which is also linked to freckles and fair skin that tans poorly.

Researchers have found an increased risk of melanoma among individuals with variants of the MC1R gene associated with red hair. Read more.”