What's+the+effect+of+altered+MC1R+gene?

An altered MC1R gene can lead to diseases such as melanoma and Oculocutaneous albinism.
 * What's the effect of altered MC1R gene?**


 * Melanoma:**

Melanoma is known as a form of skin cancer, which considered as one of the top disease in U.S. that can lead to death. Over 68,000 cases were predicted to have occurred in the U.S. An estimated of more than 8,000 would have died from melanoma. Biomarker is known as tumor or tumor related component. The biomarkers can be used to detect for the existence of the disease.(1)

Melanoma is depending on the structure of biomarkers, which provide the foundation for medical treatment. You could diagnose and treat melanoma through the biomarkers. Genome of the “melanocytes precursors” can be altered due to the increase UV radiation, which may result in mutation. These changes can allow the stem cells to stimulate growth or inhibit growth. The stem cells of melanocyte can gather these changes and produce a new product that can be either benign or harmful.(1)

The MC1R gene is altered causing the MC1R to stop producing eumelanin within the melanocytes. Therefore without the presence of eumelanin, UV radiation can cause harm to the skin that may lead to forming melanoma and others type of skin cancers. Even without the existent of UV radiation, you can still get melanoma due to the mutation of the gene.(2)

This disease is affected by the mutation in MC1R gene and the OCA12 gene. The Individuals who are affected with this disorder usually appear with light skin, hair, and eye color with poor eyesight.(2)
 * Oculocutaneous albinism:**

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 * References:**

1) Kyrgidis, A.; Tzellos, T.; Triaridis, S. (2010). Melanoma: Stem cells, sun exposure and hallmarks for carcinogenesis, molecular concept and future clinical implications. //Journal of Carcinogenesis//,9:3. Retrieved at []

2) MC1R. (2007, March). //Genetics Home Reference//. Retrieved at [].