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The Tanning Gene

Mar 09, 2007

Everybody's favorite tumor-suppressor gene, p53, also switches on the process that leads to tanning. This additional function may explain why redheads and fair-skinned people whose skin isn't amenable to getting tan have a greater cancer risk, according to this paper in the journal Cell.

So next time you see someone with a great tan, remember that the person is also showing off cancer-prevention ability as well.

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