Thursday 26th September – by Aaruthy Suthahar

A recent study has explored how our genes influence the way our skin’s DNA is chemically marked – a process known as DNA methylation. This discovery could help us better understand various skin conditions and how we age. 

DNA methylation involves adding chemical tags to our DNA that can turn genes on or off. It’s known that these chemical tags can be affected by both our environment and our genes. Previous research mainly focused on blood samples, showing that a significant portion of DNA markers in our blood is due to our genetic makeup. 

However, skin plays a crucial role in protecting us from harm and regulating our body. Changes in skin DNA methylation have been linked to issues like melanoma (a type of skin cancer), the number of moles, and signs of aging. While past studies have looked at these changes in specific skin cells and cancer cells, there hasn’t been a comprehensive study of the entire skin’s DNA. 

The latest research, using data from TwinsUK, has filled this gap. Scientists studied the DNA and gene activity of 414 female twins to understand how genetic factors influence skin DNA methylation. They found that the influence of genes on skin DNA is less than in other tissues, with an average genetic contribution of 10.02%.  

The researchers found thousands of genetic variations that affect how DNA methylation occurs in the skin. These variations also influence gene activity, which could have implications for understanding skin health and diseases. For instance, they identified specific genetic markers linked to conditions like melanoma and psoriasis, as well as markers associated with ageing. 

These findings reveal that our genes play a significant role in how our skin responds to various factors, including aging and disease. This research not only enhances our understanding of skin health but also opens up possibilities for new treatments based on these genetic insights. 

For more details, you can read the full article here.