A new study reveals how genetic defect can make people more likely to develop melanoma

A new study reveals how genetic defect can make people more likely to develop melanoma -

A new study by University of Kentucky researchers shows how a genetic defect in a specific hormonal pathway may make people more likely to develop melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer.

people with fair skin who tend to burn (instead tan) from sun exposure have a much higher risk of melanoma than people with dark skin. On the surface, it appears that the amount of melanin, the natural substance in the skin which determines pigment and acts as a skin "natural sunscreen" would be the sole determinant of the risk of melanoma. However, the truth is more complicated.

Published in Molecular Cell , the study focused on the role of melanocortin1 receptor (MC1R), the receptor on melanocytes in the skin which is called in following exposure to ultraviolet action help skin lay over UV melanin to protect itself. people with fair skin are more likely to inherit a defect of this receptor, and therefore, can not make enough melanin to protect itself completely against UV damage.

Since UV from the sun or tanning beds is a major cause of melanoma, inherited problems in the MC1R means that the skin lacks natural protection by melanin, which acts as an organic sunscreen. This leads to more UV light is chronically via the sensitive layers of the epidermis, where it can contribute to cancer.

However, the British study showed that MC1R defects contribute to the development of melanoma means other than the production of melanin. In addition to regulating the amount of melanin that gets made in the skin, MC1R also control how melanocytes can repair their DNA against UV damage. Have defects in the MC1R signaling delays the body's ability to clear the DNA damage in existing skin -. Leading to an increased potential for cancer mutations

"Whether people have a specific genetic predisposition for melanoma could potentially save many lives," says Dr. John Orazio, Associate Professor and Research Chair Drury pediatric Markey Cancer Center at UK. "If you happen to be born with a problem in this hormonally MC1R, then you must be very careful with regard to UV safety."

a good indication of the state of MC1R of a person is what happens to the skin after sun exposure.

"If you tan well, then your MC1R probably good," said Orazio . "If you tend to burn, then you have inherited a problem with your MC1R, and you should probably avoid UV exposure as targeted use of tanning beds or sun exposure without protection."

D'Orazio and his research team found an important molecular link between MC1R signaling and DNA repair in their study. The team hopes to use this information to develop new melanoma preventive treatments, such additives that may be included in sunblocks to ramp up the skin's ability to handle UV damage.

incidence of melanoma has increased steadily over the past few decades - in the 1930s, about one in 1,500 Americans have developed the disease. Today, chances are about one in every 60. Having a problem with the way MC1R increases the lifetime risk of a person of melanoma about four times.