Approved research

The MC1R Gene: Red Hair and Other Characteristics

Lay summary

Hair colour is one of the most striking features of an individual. It is well established that red hair is due to variants in the MC1R gene. This project has two main aims. Firstly, to analyse associations between red hair and other characteristics including self-reported and prospective cancer incidence, in particular melanoma and other skin cancers, but also other diseases and characteristics. Second, to identify other genes that interact with MC1R variants and affect hair colour. Certain MC1R variants do not always cause red hair and we will identify other genes that modify MC1R function. Red hair/MC1R status is a major risk factor for skin cancer, and although the relative risk for heterozygotes is modest, as half the population are heterozygotes it has a major impact. MC1R has also been reported to play a role in pain tolerance and birth weight, although confirmatory data is needed. Anecdotes relate red hair to many characteristics, mostly fanciful. Nevertheless finding other solid associations may inform as to genetic risk for other diseases. The melanoma association has been valuable for the exploration of cellular pathways, and links to other conditions may lead to routes for prevention or therapy. There are 22,000 self-assessed red haired individuals in Biobank, and 480,000 non-red. Existing data will allow us to look for associations between red hair (assumed homozygous MC1R variant status) and a range of biological and medical characteristics. Future DNA analysis of Biobank participants will include most common MC1R variants and better defined MC1R status. Past and future skin and other cancer occurrences will be linked to MC1R status. Analysis of DNA variants throughout the genome will allow us to identify genes that modify hair colour (and other characteristics) full cohort