Australian researchers have found two genes linked to the development of moles on the skin – and to the deadliest form of skin cancer.
The scientists in Queensland, Australia, studied 6,000 people and found specific changes in two genes seemed to make people more susceptible to developing moles.
A study of another 4,000 people found the same two genes were linked to an increased risk of developing melanoma.
Researchers from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research worked with King’s College, London, UK, and The University of Leeds, UK, on the project, reported in Nature Genetics.
Researcher Professor Nick Hayward said: "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."
He added: "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."
Nature Genetics July 6 2009
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