LG Household discovers genetic keys to skin tone variations

[Courtesy of LG Household & Health Care Co.]

A research paper by LG Household & Health Care Co. on identifying the genetic factors affecting skin color using the genomes of 57,000 East Asians has been published in the international journal Nature Communications, the company said Monday.

The paper, titled “Mapping and Annotating Genomic Loci to Prioritize Genes and Implicate Distinct Polygenic Adaptations for Skin Color,” was co-authored by Professor Won Hong-hee of Sungkyunkwan University, researchers from the Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, and Professor Jeong Choong-won of Seoul National University.

Researchers at LG Household research laboratory used whole genome sequencing and other analytical techniques to uncover 23 genetic regions that affect innate skin tone, 11 of which were identified for the first time worldwide.

According to the researchers, the newly discovered GAB2 gene is associated with promoting the phosphorylation of tyrosine, a precursor of melanin responsible for pigmentation such as freckles.

The SLC45A3 gene is known to play a critical role in cellular energy production and metabolism.

The genes identified in this study can also be used to interpret the characteristics of skin tone in different races through comparison and analysis with global bio-data.

Using a “genetic score” calculation method to predict innate skin tone, the researchers were able to predict skin tone characteristics in 26 regions, including Asia, Europe, Africa, and Central and South America, with particularly accurate results among Asians.

The study quantitatively analyzed the relationship between environmental factors such as latitude, sun exposure, sunscreen use, and their interactions with these factors that significantly influence skin tone.

For example, analysis of the levels of influence of skin tone genetic factors translated into genetic scores revealed that individuals in the bottom 10 percent of genetic scores are predicted to have about twice the protection against sunscreen-induced skin tone changes as those in the top 10 percent.

“The skin genes identified in this study have high potential as target genes for the development of highly effective skin care solutions,” said Kang Nae-gyu, Chief Technology Officer of LG Household.