Addicted to the sun? Research shows it's in your genes

Date:
September 10, 2020
Source:
King's College London
Summary:
Sun-seeking behavior is linked to genes involved in addiction,
behavioral and personality traits and brain function, according
to a study of more than 260,000 people.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Sun-seeking behaviour is linked to genes involved in addiction,
behavioural and personality traits and brain function, according
to a study of more than 260,000 people led by King's College London researchers.


==========================================================================
This means that people's behaviour towards seeking sun is complicated
by a genetic predisposition, and this needs to be taken into account
when designing skin cancer awareness campaigns.

The researchers studied detailed health information of 2,500 twins from TwinsUK, including their sun-seeking behaviour and genetics. Identical
twins in a pair were more likely to have a similar sun-seeking behaviour
than non- identical twins, indicating that genetics play a key role.

The team then identified five key genes involved in sun-seeking behaviour
from a further analysis of 260,000 participants from other cohorts. Some
of these genes have been linked to behavioural traits associated with risk-taking and addiction, including smoking, cannabis and alcohol
consumption and number of sexual partners.

Senior author Dr Mario Falchi from King's College London said: "Our
results suggest that tackling excessive sun exposure or use of tanning
beds might be more challenging than expected, as it is influenced by
genetic factors. It is important for the public to be aware of this predisposition, as it could make people more mindful of their behaviour
and the potential harms of excessive sun exposure." Dr Veronique
Bataille, Consultant Dermatologist involved in the research from King's
College London added: "It is clear that we see individuals who have very unhealthy sun behaviour and are fully aware of it. They will continue to
expose themselves excessively even if they have clear skin cancer risk
factors. Our research shows that genes regulating addiction and other
risky behaviour are important and may explain some of the reticence in
changing behaviours in the sun."

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by King's_College_London. Note: Content
may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Sanna Marianna, Li Xin, Visconti Alessia, Freidin Maxim B,
Sacco Chiara,
Ribero Simone, Hysi Pirro, Bataille Veronique, Han Jiali, Falchi
Mario.

Looking for Sunshine: Genetic Predisposition to Sun-Seeking in
265,000 Individuals of European Ancestry. Journal of Investigative
Dermatology, 2020; DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.08.014 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200910120120.htm

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