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Sun causes mutations in genes that lead to skin cancer
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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A specific genetic mutation, RAC1, unique to skin cancer and caused by UV radiation exposure was identified by Yale and the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. As Sky News notes, this mutation is present in about 9% of melanoma patients.
This discovery was made during the analysis of genes of 147 types of cancer. Professor Nick Hayward also proved that the mutation causes the spread of cancer to internal organs. And the sun is to blame (the mutation was found only in tumors that appeared as a result of UV exposure). This is what distinguishes RAC1 from the well-known mutations - BRAF and NRAS.
Hayward is confident that the first drugs targeting RAC1 could be tested in three to five years. Biologically, the mutation is similar to other cancers, so creating a drug should not be a big problem. The goal is to have the technology to develop a suitable treatment for each patient based on the genetic nature of the cancer.