How hair color and skin pigment affect melanoma risk
MITF from control of pigmentation to melanoma risk
This work looks at how red-hair pigment may hide moles and raise melanoma risk, and whether changing pigment type could lower that risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323984 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, researchers use mouse models that mimic human red hair and melanoma-linked mutations to show that red pigment (pheomelanin) can create “invisible” moles that are hard to see but may be more likely to turn into melanoma. They label pigment-producing cells with fluorescence so hidden lesions can be counted and compared between red-haired, dark-pigmented, and albino mice to understand how pigment type changes melanoma risk. The team will study both BRAF and NRAS mutations and expose models to UVA and chemical stressors to see how pigment affects spontaneous and induced melanoma formation. They will also test small molecules that might push pigment production toward darker eumelanin or otherwise reduce damage from pheomelanin, aiming to find ways to lower melanoma risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with red hair or very fair skin, numerous moles, or known BRAF/NRAS-related mole changes would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People with darker skin whose melanoma risk is not linked to red-hair pigment, or patients seeking immediate treatment for existing melanoma, are less likely to benefit directly from this grant's lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help detect hidden moles in red-haired people and lead to new prevention or treatment approaches that lower melanoma risk by altering pigment-related biology.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and laboratory studies have linked pheomelanin and red hair to higher melanoma risk and the investigators have reported related mouse findings, but clinical prevention strategies remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fisher, David E — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fisher, David E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.