Scientists find gene behind red hair may offer health benefits

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyle(Getty/iStock)A new study suggests that pheomelanin, the pigment responsible for orange-red hair, may offer health benefits by protecting cells. Pheomelanin is produced using cysteine, a protein-building block, which can become toxic to cells if it accumulates to excessive levels. Historically, the pigment presented an evolutionary puzzle due to its association with a higher risk of skin cancer, despite its prevalence. Researchers found that pheomelanin production helps maintain cellular cysteine balance by converting excess cysteine into an inert pigment, thereby preventing cell damage. This protective role, demonstrated through experiments with zebra finches, could explain why pheomelanin-promoting genetic traits have persisted in populations despite associated melanoma risks. In fullThe surprising health benefits of having orange hairMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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