Research: 135 new genes associated with skin color identified

According to a report in News Medical Life Sciences, a study conducted by Vivek Bajpai from the University of Oklahoma and researchers from Stanford University has identified 135 new genes associated with the pigmentation that gives humans their skin color.

The researchers found 169 functionally distinct genes that affect the production of "melanin," also defined as skin pigment, and determined that 135 of these had not previously been linked to pigmentation.

According to the research, of the two newly discovered genes named KLF6 and COMMD3, the DNA-binding protein called KLF6 leads to a loss of melanin production in humans and animals, while it plays a role in melanin production in other species.

COMMD3, on the other hand, regulates melanin synthesis by controlling the acidity of melanosomes.

Regarding the study, Bajpai stated, "By understanding what regulates melanin, we can help protect lighter-skinned people from melanoma or skin cancer. By targeting these new melanin genes, we can also develop drugs that modify melanin for vitiligo and other pigmentation diseases."

Researchers could develop effective interventions against microbes and diseases by discovering such melanin-producing genes.

The research was published in the journal "Science."

News Source: 12punto