A large mole (melanocytic nevi) count is the strongest known risk factor for melanoma. An understanding of the factors governing naevus development may therefore lead to important insights into the etiology of melanoma. We shall carry out molecular genetic analysis of DNA samples collected from twins and their parents with the aim of identifying major genes affecting moliness, pigmentation and other risk factors for melanoma. The importance of this study is that it will significantly advance our ....A large mole (melanocytic nevi) count is the strongest known risk factor for melanoma. An understanding of the factors governing naevus development may therefore lead to important insights into the etiology of melanoma. We shall carry out molecular genetic analysis of DNA samples collected from twins and their parents with the aim of identifying major genes affecting moliness, pigmentation and other risk factors for melanoma. The importance of this study is that it will significantly advance our understanding of the relationship between moliness and melanoma risk and may lead to new therapeutic interventions.Read moreRead less
Investigating The Role Of Pigmentation Pathway Genes In Moliness And Melanoma Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$943,545.00
Summary
Melanoma is an important cause of death in Australia and our generally light pigmentation in a geographical area of high sun exposure is a major factor in this. Our research increasingly points to certain pigmentation genes having a direct biochemical influence on cancer risk in addition to their risk via pigmentation. Understanding how the genes that deternine skin, hair and eye colour act to modify moliness and melanoma risk is important for public health prevention schemes.