Human Genome Linked to Skin Color Variation.

• Position: PIGMENTATION - Brief article

New regions of the human genome that are associated with skin color variation in some African populations have been identified by a team of scientists--led by Sarah Tishkoff, professor in the Department of Genetics and Biology at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia--opening new avenues for research on skin diseases and cancer in all populations.

These findings may help researchers determine if humans with certain DNA sequences are more or less susceptible to damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) or respond to cellular stress differently.

Studying human skin pigmentation helps researchers understand how the cells that produce skin pigment --melanocytes--and genes work together to protect skin from the damaging effects of UVR. Because equatorial regions receive approximately two times more UVR than more temperate regions, darker pigmentation in people from these regions is thought to reduce skin damage and cancer. In contrast, lighter pigmentation of people in northern countries may increase the production of vitamin D3 needed to prevent rickets, a softening and...