CCMB scientists identify rare gene behind Indian girl’s red hair
Scientists at the CCMB in Hyderabad have identified a rare gene variant responsible for red hair in an Indian girl. The study revealed the role of the MC1R gene in pigmentation and highlighted the genetic diversity within India. Researchers found 21 novel MC1R variants, indicating a complex genetic landscape influenced by various factors.
- ▪A five-year-old Indian girl with red hair was studied, revealing a rare MC1R gene variant.
- ▪The girl inherited two copies of the mutation from her parents, who had typical dark hair.
- ▪The research analyzed over 11,000 individuals from 91 populations, uncovering significant genetic diversity.
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Indians typically have black hair, with grey appearing as a natural part of ageing. But red hair? The colour more commonly associated with Europeans has now been identified in a rare case in India, intriguing scientists at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad.Their study was prompted by a striking case of a five-year-old Indian girl with red hair on her scalp, eyebrows and body, while retaining dark eyes — an extremely rare phenotype. From this, researchers have provided fresh insight into the country’s complex genetic landscape by uncovering the role of the MC1R gene (melanocortin 1 receptor), a key regulator of skin and hair pigmentation.MC1R gene determines the type of melanin produced in the body ‘eumelanin’, which gives dark brown or black colour, or…
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