Melanotropin receptor

Melanotropin receptor is a protein found in skin and eye cells that make melanin (a pigment that gives color to the skin and helps protect it from damage by ultraviolet light). People with certain changes in the gene for the melanotropin receptor have a higher risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer that begins in melanocytes). Also called melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R).

External links

• Melanotropin receptor entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from the U.S. National Cancer Institute document "Dictionary of Cancer Terms".