Pigment u riđoj kosi ima skrivenu supermoć za koju nismo znali do sada
Istraživači kažu da ljudi sa genetskim varijantama za riđu kosu mogu imati specijalne ćelije koje ih štite.
TL;DR
- Genetic variants for red hair in humans may be linked to specialized cells that protect against cellular damage.
- The pigment pheomelanin, associated with red hair, may help prevent cellular damage by converting excess cysteine.
- Experiments with zebra finches showed that pheomelanin production protected cells from oxidative damage caused by excess cysteine.
- While pheomelanin is linked to an increased risk of melanoma, its production may also help cells maintain cysteine balance.
- The findings suggest a physiological role for pheomelanin in preventing cysteine toxicity.