Sunburn or sunburn? Related genetic variants were found

according to a paper published this week in nature-newsletter
, whether a person's skin will tan or sunburn when exposed to sunlight depends at least in part on variations in specific genetic locations. Based on past studies, this genome-wide association study (GWAS) has identified additional gene bits that may be associated with tanning reactions in populations of European descent.visualhunt
To better understand how a person's genetic make-up determines their response to sun exposure, Mario Falchi of King's College London and colleagues analyzed a group of genetic variants of the subjects, some of which reported never or only occasional tanning and sunburn (46,768) and others who said they would tan without sunburn (74,528). The researchers then repeated the study of 55,382 individuals and found genetic variations at 10 genetic points that had not previously been associated with the tanning response. The researchers further found that some variations in AGR3/AHR bits associated with lower tanning ability may also increase the risk of skin cancer.picture of tanning skin in the UK Biobank.
the authors note that the findings may be based on self-reports (i.e. questionnaire responses) on tanning and skin cancer, and that further research is needed to confirm the possible role of genetic variants in tanning and skin cancer. (Source: Science.com)