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What Is Melanocortin 1 Manogen?

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The MCR1 gene provides instructions for making a protein called melanocortin 1 receptor. This receptor plays a major role when it comes to pigmentation. This receptor is located on cells that produce melanin called melanocytes. (https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/MC1R). Melanin is a substance that gives skin, hair, and eyes the color. Melanin is also found in the retina part of the eye, and it gives humans normal vision. Common variations (polymorphisms) in the MC1R gene are associated with normal differences in skin and hair color. Certain genetic variations are most common in people with red hair, fair skin, freckles, and an increased sensitivity to sun exposure. These MC1R polymorphisms reduce the ability of the melanocortin 1 receptor to …show more content…

Skin damage caused by UV radiation from the sun is a major risk factor for developing melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.Studies suggest that variations in the MC1R gene may also increase the risk of developing melanoma in the absence of UV radiation-related skin damage. In these cases, melanomas can occur in people of dark or light skin coloring. These cancers are often associated with mutations in additional genes related to melanoma risk, such as the BRAF and CDKN2A genes. Researchers are working to explain the complex relationship among MC1R variations, other genetic and environmental factors, and melanoma risk. (https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/MC1R).
Ancient DNA has been used to show aspects of Neanderthal appearance. A fragment of the gene for the melanocortin 1 receptor was sequenced using DNA from two Neanderthal specimens from Spain and Italy: El Sidrón 1252 and Monte Lessini. Neanderthals had a mutation in this receptor gene which changed an amino acid, making the resulting protein less efficient and likely creating a phenotype of red hair and pale skin. Modern humans display similar mutations of MCR1, and people who have two copies of this mutation have red hair and pale skin. However, no modern human has the exact mutation that Neanderthals had, which means that both Neanderthals and humans evolved this phenotype independent of each other.

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