Microbiology/Genetics

Skin Cancer Causing Gene Identified

People with two ASIP gene mutations are more likely to get skin cancer

By Gabriel Gache, Science News Editor

19th of May 2008, 14:07 GMT

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The Sun radiates ultraviolet radiation which can trigger the onset of skin cancers

A new study conducted at DeCODE Genetics in Iceland and at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Australia reveals that skin pigmentation and hair color may not have such an important role in getting skin cancer after sitting in the Sun, not as much as a newly found gene that could be used to predict which person is most likely to get skin cancer.

Kari Stefannson, CEO at DeCODE says that they have identified a genetic link to skin cancer after analyzing several thousands of people suffering from such a disease. A mutation in the ASIP gene is said to double the chance of Icelanders getting melanoma skin cancers, because Iceland doesn't get very much Sun throughout the year.

Previously, it was believed that melanoma - the deadliest known form of skin cancer - was determined by skin pigmentation, which provided protection against ultraviolet rays coming from the Sun. For example, the genetic mutations in the MC1R gene which is responsible for red hair and freckles, increases the chance of getting some form of skin cancer.

Stefannson's study involved about ten thousand people scattered throughout the northern and eastern regions of Europe, including blonds, redheads, healthy people and cancer patients. According to the results, people with two mutations in the ASIP gene have twice the chances of getting skin cancer if exposed to high levels of sunlight.

In Caucasians however, the MC1R gene is responsible for skin cancer, but it has no effect on those living well above the Arctic regions of the planet. "In Iceland you can avoid sunlight because it is so rare", Stefannson said.

Geneticist Stuart MacGregor from Queensland Institute of Medical Research agrees. "It doesn't look like it's just pigmentation." His study showed similar analogies on people living in the Queensland areas of Australia.

"It is an open question whether genes will provide better markers of risk than good measures of skin color. I am a skeptic", said cancer expert Jonathan Rees from the University of Edinburgh while explaining that gene mutations affecting complexion are most likely to cause skin cancer.

TAGS:

gene | skin cancer | melanoma | mutation | Iceland

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