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Biomed-X Research Seminar

2021-05-19

Title: Why redhaired individuals are so prone to developing melanoma?

Speakers: Prof. Rutao Cui

Qiushi Endowed Professor

Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University

The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), a G-protein-coupled receptor, has a crucial role in human and mouse pigmentation. Individuals carrying MC1R variants, especially those associated with red hair color, fair skin and poor tanning ability (denoted as RHC variants), are associated with higher risk of melanoma. We reported that MC1R controls UVB-induced G1- like cell cycle arrest and subsequent onset of premature senescence in melanocytes, abrogation of which contributes to melanoma development. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that WT-MC1R stabilized PTEN against proteolytic degradation under UV exposure, resulting in inhibition of AKT phosphorylation and activation after UV exposure.


Date and Time:

05/25/2021 15:00-17:00

ZJE building A203

Host: Prof. Suhong Xu