Ever wondered why some of your friends seem to get a deep tan over summer while you get burnt to a crisp after only minutes in the sun? It could be due to your genes. Previous studies have shown that the heritability of ease of skin tanning is about 45%. That means if both your parents tan easily, there’s a good chance you will too.
While some of the genes associated with skin pigmentation and tanning have been identified, a recent study published in Nature Communications has identified 10 new genes connected to ease of tanning, as well as confirming 10 previously known genes. In order to find these new genes, the researchers analysed a genetic database of over 120,000 individuals who were divided into two groups based on their ability to tan. This analysis revealed 30 different genes that may be involved, and these were cross-referenced with other large databases to determine 20 genes linked to tanning, 10 of which were novel associations. But why do tanning genes matter? Well, as we all know, sun exposure can cause skin cancers. Additionally, people who burn more easily are at greater risk. While some of the genes have previously been associated with skin cancer, this study has identified new genes that could affect cancer risk. There wasn’t enough data in this study to determine how well ease of tanning correlates with melanoma risk, but the researchers did find a genetic correlation between ease of tanning and non-melanoma skin cancer. The same genes that were involved in decreased tanning ability increased the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. These findings are important to help identify people who may be at greater risk of skin cancer. But don’t be complacent if you are someone who tans easily – previous work has shown that people with darker skin who also carry lighter-skin genes have a similar risk of developing skin cancer as people with light skin. The researchers hope to continue their work to further investigate how these genes contribute to tanning and skin cancer, and to assess the degree to which they affect a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. However, no matter what’s in your genes, remember that no tan is a safe tan and the best way to minimise your risk of cancer is to slip, slop, slap and avoid sun exposure.
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Emi Schutz Archives
March 2018
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