red hair trends
- Red hair is a rare hair color caused by a mutation in the MC1R gene.This applies to less than 2% of the world's population.
- G-type mutation in DNA region rs12913832A Harvard Medical School study found that people with
- The redhead isNorthern Europe/Western Europe (especially Scotland/Ireland)A pigment called pheomelanin determines the redness of hair.
Overview Red hair color is an unusual hair color that is characterized by its bright, rich reddish hue. Colors range from burgundy to copper, orange, and ginger. This color is determined by the MC1R gene and its mutations, which control the amount of pheomelanin, the red pigment in your hair. Unlike other types of brown or black hair, red hair color is the result of this special pigment. Redheads often have fair skin that freckles in the sun. It is also often combined with green or blue eyes, creating a striking contrast between the eye and hair color. This combination gives it a very striking look. Historically and culturally, redheads are associated with mystical images due to their rarity and folklore. Less than 2% of the world's population has red hair, and it is most often found in Northern and Western Europe, especially Scotland and Ireland, where these areas have a high proportion of red hair due to shared genetic characteristics. A study by Han et al. at Harvard Medical School revealed that the tendency to have red hair is associated with a DNA region called rs12913832. There are three genotypes in this DNA region: AA, AG, and GG, and it was found that people with the G genotype have a strong tendency to have red hair.
What is red hair?
Red hair (red hair) is a rare hair color caused by a mutation in the MC1R gene that results in the dominant production of pheomelanin.Approximately less than 2% of the world's population has red hair, which comes in a variety of shades, including burgundy, copper, orange, and ginger.
Causes and mechanisms of red hair
red hair colorMC1R gene and its mutationsDetermined by This gene controls the amount of pheomelanin, the red pigment in hair, produced.
- Pheomelanin:A red to yellow pigment that is the main cause of red hair
- Eumelanin:A brown to black pigment that is the main cause of brown and black hair.
The redhead isPheomelanin predominatesThis results from the production of Eumelanin is predominant in brown and black hair.
Physical characteristics of red-haired people
For redheads:common physical characteristicscan be seen.
- Fair skin:Freckles tend to form under the sun
- Bright eye color:Often paired with green or blue eyes
- Impressive appearance:The contrast between eye and hair color stands out
Regional distribution of red hair
Red hair is rare throughout the world,Occurrence rate varies depending on regionThere is.
| region | Percentage of red hair | Features |
|---|---|---|
| scotland | Approximately 13% | Highest proportion of redheads in the world |
| ireland | Approximately 10% | Strongly influenced by Celtic genes |
| nordic countries | Approximately 2-6% | Distributed in geographically close areas |
| whole world | Approximately 1-2% | very rare trait |
Red hair and cultural background
Historically and culturally, red hair isRarity and folkloreIt has been associated with mysterious images. In ancient Egypt, red hair was associated with the god Set, and in medieval Europe it was considered to have special meaning.
The relationship between genes and red hair
Relationship between DNA region rs12913832 and red hair tendency
A study by Han and colleagues at Harvard Medical School found that the DNA region rs12913832 is associated with a tendency to have red hair.
- There are three genotypes of rs12913832: AA, AG, and GG.
- Genotype with type G mutationpeople are more likely to have red hair
Genotype distribution in Japanese (rs12913832)
| Genotype | Percentage of Japanese people | percentage of the world |
|---|---|---|
| AA type | 99.9% | 13.4% |
| AG type | 0.0% | 46.4% |
| GG type | 0.0% | 40.0% |
Almost all Japanese people have the AA type, while around the world there are only a few people with the G type mutation.Approximately 86.4%occupies. This difference in the distribution of genotypes explains the differences in the incidence of red hair between regions.
Rationale for testing
External DNA region: Red hair tendency
The gene region that most strongly influences the tendency to have red hair is rs12913832. The distribution of isomorphic genotypes in Japan is as follows.
- AA 99.9 %
- AG 0.0 %
- GG 0.0 %
Basis for inspection
A study by Han and his colleagues at Harvard Medical School revealed that the tendency to have red hair is linked to genes. There is a region called rs12913832 in the human genome, and there are two types of mutations, A and G, in the gene in this region.People with type G mutation are more likely to have red hair.I understand that.
The DNA region investigated this time
Schematic diagram of DNA map present in cells
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Related genes
| Related genes | HERC2 |
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is red hair?
Red hair (red hair) is a rare hair color caused by a mutation in the MC1R gene that results in the dominant production of pheomelanin.Approximately less than 2% of the world's population are redheads, and they come in a variety of shades, from burgundy to copper to orange to ginger.
Q2. What is the genetic cause of red hair?
Red hair is mainlyMutations in the MC1R geneis the cause. According to research by Han et al. at Harvard Medical School, the DNA region rs12913832People with type G mutationIt has been found that there is a strong tendency for red hair.
Q3. What characteristics do people with red hair have?
red haired peoplefair skin, and is prone to freckles when exposed to sunlight.green or blue eyesIt is often combined with this, giving it a striking appearance with a striking contrast between the eyes and hair.
Q4. How rare is red hair in the world?
The red hair isApproximately less than 2% of the world's populationIt's a very rare hair color. It is particularly prevalent in Northern and Western European regions such as Scotland (approximately 13%) and Ireland (approximately 10%).
Q5. Is there a genotype for red hair among Japanese people?
Japanese rs12913832 genotype is99.9% are type AAThe prevalence of type G mutation associated with red hair is extremely low. Globally, approximately 86.4% of people with the G mutation are carriers of the virus, so there are significant regional differences.
References
- Reference link 1: 2008 May., Jiali Han, PLoS Genet