Variants of the melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor gene are associated with red hair and fair skin in humans.

doi:10.1038/ng1195-328

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Article

Variants of the melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor gene are associated with red hair and fair skin in humans.

Nature genetics - 1 Nov 1995

Valverde P, Healy E, Jackson I, Rees J L, Thody A J

Abstract excerpt

Melanin pigmentation protects the skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). There are two types of melanin, the red phaeomelanin and the black eumelanin, both of which are present in human skin. Eumelanin is photoprotective whereas phaeomelanin, because of its potential to ge...

Topics

Base Sequence
Genetic Variation
Hair Color
Humans
Molecular Sequence Data
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Receptors, Pituitary Hormone
Skin Pigmentation
Sunburn

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