MC1R

gene

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The MC1R gene plays a role in skin and hair color and is associated with an increased risk of melanoma. Variations in MC1R are linked to red hair, freckles, and fair skin, traits that make individuals more susceptible to melanoma.1

Melanocytes are specialized skin cells that produce melanin, a pigment responsible for skin and hair color. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) influences melanin production, leading to skin darkening. Melanoma is a serious and often recurring cancer of melanocytes. While sun exposure is a primary cause of DNA damage leading to melanoma, certain MC1R gene variations can increase risk even with less sun exposure.231

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melanoma
Causes and symptoms
…mutations in a gene called MC1R occur in association with mutations in BRAF. Certain variations in MC1R also are associated with red hair, freckles, and fair skin, traits that are linked to a marked increase in melanoma risk. Tumours from melanoma patients who carry even only a single allele of…
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…mutations in a gene called MC1R occur in association with mutations in BRAF. Certain variations in MC1R also are associated with red hair, freckles, and fair skin, traits that are linked to a marked increase in melanoma risk. Tumours from melanoma patients who carry even only a single allele of…
Read More