SLC24A5: Skin Pigmentation

rs1426654 · Pigmentation & Traits

SLC24A5 is one of the most significant genes for human skin color variation, with a single SNP explaining a large portion of the pigmentation difference between African and European populations.

What This SNP Does

SLC24A5 encodes a cation exchanger in melanosomes (the organelles that produce melanin). The derived A allele (Ala111Thr) reduces melanosome function, resulting in lighter skin. This variant reached near-fixation in European populations (~99.9% AA) and is nearly absent in West African populations. It's one of the best examples of recent positive natural selection in humans, having swept through European populations in the last 6,000-12,000 years.

Genotype Meanings

Genotype	Status	What It Means
GG	Ancestral	Full SLC24A5 function. Darker skin pigmentation (common in African, South/East Asian populations).
AG	Heterozygous	Intermediate pigmentation. Common in admixed populations and South Asians.
AA	Derived	Reduced melanin. Lighter skin pigmentation (near-universal in Europeans).

What You Can Do

Lighter-skinned individuals (AA) should use sun protection but may need more vitamin D supplementation at higher latitudes. Darker-skinned individuals at high latitudes should monitor vitamin D levels, as melanin reduces cutaneous vitamin D synthesis.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions based on genetic data. Genome Decoder does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.