Melanocortin 1 Receptor Function: Shifting Gears from Determining Skin and Nevus Phenotype to Fetal Growth

Variants in the MC1R gene influence skin pigmentation and thereby modulate risk of melanoma and basal and squamous cell carcinoma. In this issue, Kinsler et al. report an association between the MC1R genotype and the development of congenital melanocytic nevi. Further, higher birth weight was observed in carriers of MC1R variants, suggesting a role for the melanocortin network in fetal growth. Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2012) 132, 1953-1955. doi:10.1038/jid.2012.216