G
Genetic Archaeology
GENETIC ARCHAEOLOGY // PROFILE

MC1R

Melanocortin 1 Receptor

CHR 16
16q24.3

Overview

MC1R encodes a receptor that controls melanin production in the skin and hair. Loss-of-function variants lead to red hair, fair skin, freckles, and increased UV sensitivity.

📍 Chromosomal Position

16q24.3 (Chromosome 16)

🧬 Gene Category

Appearance

🔬 Inheritance

Autosomal recessive (red hair)

📊 Prevalence

1-2% red hair (Europe)

Function & Significance

The MC1R receptor regulates which type of melanin is produced:

  • Eumelanin: Brown/black pigment (produced by functional MC1R)
  • Pheomelanin: Red/yellow pigment (produced by defective MC1R)

🧬 Genetics of Red Hair

Red hair is caused by:

  • Two defective MC1R copies: Classic red hair
  • One defective copy: Can lead to a reddish tint
  • Over 100 MC1R variants: Various shades of red
  • Most common variants: R151C, R160W, D294H

Interesting Fact: Redheads have the highest concentration in Scotland (~13%) and Ireland (~10%)!

🧬 Relevant SNPs

Common MC1R variants for red hair:

rs1805007
16:89985940
Allele 1

C

/

Allele 2

T

Significance: R151C – one of the most common red hair variants

• TT: Red hair, very fair skin, freckles

• CT: Carrier, may have a reddish tint

• CC: Normal

rs1805008
16:89985918
Allele 1

C

/

Allele 2

T

Significance: R160W – another common red hair variant

• TT: Red hair, fair skin type

• CT: Carrier

☀️ Health Risks

MC1R variants increase the risk for:

  • Melanoma: 2-4 fold increased risk
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma: Increased skin cancer risk
  • Sunburn: Very high UV sensitivity
  • Skin Aging: Earlier wrinkle formation

Important: Consistent sun protection (SPF 50+), regular skin checks, and staying in the shade are recommended!

💊 Other Characteristics

MC1R carriers also have:

  • Higher Pain Sensitivity: Require ~20% more anesthesia
  • Vitamin D Production: More efficient production in low sunlight
  • Cold Sensitivity: React more strongly to cold

📚 Data Sources

The information on this page is based on the following scientific sources:

  • OMIM: #155555 – Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
  • dbSNP: rs1805007, rs1805008 – SNP Database (NCBI)
  • ClinVar: Clinical Variant Database (NCBI)
  • PubMed: MC1R and Melanoma Research
  • Nature Genetics: Red Hair Genetics

Last Update: February 2026

Biological Function

The MC1R receptor regulates melanin production. Loss-of-function variants lead to pheomelanin (red/yellow) instead of eumelanin (brown/black).

Associated Conditions

Increased Melanoma Risk Sunburn susceptibility
Molecular Analysis

Analyzed Markers

rs1805007 Trait/Risk Factor
Pos: 16:89985940 | Alleles: C/T

R151C - TT: red hair, fair skin, freckles

rs1805008 Trait/Risk Factor
Pos: 16:89985918 | Alleles: C/T

R160W - another variant for red hair and fair skin type