Washington, July 13: Scientists claim to have discovered two new genes that together double a person’s risk of developing melanoma — the most deadly form of skin cancer.
An international team, led by Nick Hayward of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, has identified the two genes after a detailed study of the genes of some 6,000 people together with their mole count.
Specific changes in two genes were found to make people more susceptible to developing moles. The scientists went on to show, in another 4,000 people, the same two genes increased the risk of developing melanoma.
Hayward said: “These are the first genes found to increase melanoma risk by influencing the number of moles a person has. This finding improves our understanding of the genetics of melanoma and therefore the molecular pathways that lead to its development.
“It has long been known that having a large number of moles is the biggest risk factor. Therefore we predicted we would find genes linking moles and melanoma. We now have conclusive genetic evidence that having a large number of moles increases an individual’s risk of developing melanoma.”
In fact, the study found that people who carry one of these two gene variants have a 25 per cent increased chance of developing melanoma, while for individuals carrying both variants their risk is doubled.
“In the long term, this research will be useful in developing screening techniques, and will also allow us to identify potential new drug targets and ultimately develop new therapies to treat melanoma,” said Professor Hayward.
–PTI