MC1R Gene

Definition

The MC1R (Melanocortin 1 Receptor) gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays a crucial role in determining the color of skin, hair, and eyes. Variations in this gene can lead to red hair and fair skin.

Analogy

Think of the MC1R gene as an artist's paint mixer. It decides how much black or brown pigment (eumelanin) versus red/yellow pigment (pheomelanin) to mix into your skin, hair, and eye cells. If there's a variation in this 'paint mixer,' you might end up with more reds and yellows—like having red hair or freckles!

Related terms

Pigmentation: The coloring of a person's skin, hair, or eyes which is determined by pigments produced by cells called melanocytes.

Melanocyte: A type of cell located in the bottom layer of the skin's epidermis that produces melanin.

Eumelanin & Pheomelanin: Two types of melanin pigments responsible for coloration in humans; eumelanin is dark brown or black, while pheomelanin is yellow-red.