Moles and Genes

In a cohort of children, nevi development and dermoscopic type were associated with a particular SNP.

Genetic risk factors for melanoma have been well characterized by investigators in many linkage and association studies. However, how genetic input affects nevus determination is poorly understood. Earlier studies have suggested that the development of the sun-sensitive and nevus-propensity phenotypes may be driven by different germline variants. In a recent study of DNA samples from 353 schoolchildren, investigators made some interesting findings regarding mole count early in life.

The researchers examined MC1R and 85 other candidate loci in this cohort of children to test the hypothesis that nevi development and dermoscopic type are at least partly dependent on genetic variants. Associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) a…

Reviewing Author

Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD

Disclosures

Consultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical

EquityLubax

Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal

Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)