When it comes to skin cancer, melanoma is one of the deadliest forms. It can spread to other parts of the body quickly and can be hard to treat once it reaches an advanced stage.

Because of this, researchers have been studying what causes melanoma in order to find better ways to prevent and treat it. One factor that has been found to play a role in the development of melanoma is our genes.

What is melanoma?

Before we dive into the genetics of melanoma, let’s review what it is and how it develops. Melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in the melanocytes, the cells in our skin that produce pigment.

Most melanomas develop on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, but they can also form on parts of the body that are not typically exposed to sunlight.

There are several risk factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing melanoma, including:.

Excessive exposure to UV radiation, either from the sun or from tanning beds
Fair skin that burns easily and does not tan well
A history of sunburns
A weakened immune system
A family history of melanoma

If caught early, melanoma can often be treated with surgery. However, once it spreads to other parts of the body, it becomes much harder to treat.

The genetics of melanoma

Research has shown that there are several genetic mutations that can increase a person’s risk of developing melanoma. Let’s take a closer look at some of these mutations.

BRAF mutation

The BRAF gene is involved in the regulation of cell growth and division. When this gene is mutated, it can cause cells to divide uncontrollably, which can lead to the development of cancer.

BRAF mutations are found in about half of all melanomas, making it one of the most common genetic mutations associated with this cancer.

CDKN2A mutation

The CDKN2A gene is a tumor suppressor gene, which means that it helps to prevent cells from growing and dividing too quickly. When this gene is mutated, it can no longer perform this function effectively, which can lead to the development of cancer.

Mutations in the CDKN2A gene are found in about 20-40% of familial melanomas, which are melanomas that run in families.

MC1R gene variants

The MC1R gene is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color. When this gene is mutated, it can affect the production of melanin and make a person more susceptible to sun damage.

Some variants of the MC1R gene have been found to be associated with an increased risk of melanoma.

TERT promoter mutation

The TERT gene is involved in the regulation of telomerase, an enzyme that helps to protect the ends of our chromosomes.

When this gene is mutated, it can lead to the overproduction of telomerase, which can cause cells to divide uncontrollably and lead to the development of cancer. TERT promoter mutations are found in about 70% of all melanomas.

How do these mutations increase the risk of melanoma?

When these mutations occur in our cells, they can cause the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, which can lead to the development of cancer.

The mutations can also make our cells more susceptible to UV damage, which is one of the major risk factors for melanoma. UV radiation can cause damage to our DNA, and these mutations can make it harder for our cells to repair this damage, which can increase the risk of cancer.

What can we do about it?

While we can’t control our genetics, there are several things we can do to reduce our risk of melanoma. These include:.

Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the sun’s rays are strongest
Wear protective clothing and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when you are outside
Avoid tanning beds, which can expose you to harmful UV radiation
Get regular skin checks from a dermatologist

If you have a family history of melanoma or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk and about any additional screenings you may need.

Conclusion

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can be difficult to treat once it reaches an advanced stage. While there are several risk factors for melanoma, genetics play a significant role in the development of this cancer.

Understanding the genetic mutations associated with melanoma can help us better understand how it develops and how we can prevent it.