Harmonizome 3.0

melanocortin 1 receptor (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor)

This intronless gene encodes the receptor protein for melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). The encoded protein, a seven pass transmembrane G protein coupled receptor, controls melanogenesis. Two types of melanin exist: red pheomelanin and black eumelanin. Gene mutations that lead to a loss in function are associated with increased pheomelanin production, which leads to lighter skin and hair color. Eumelanin is photoprotective but pheomelanin may contribute to UV-induced skin damage by generating free radicals upon UV radiation. Binding of MSH to its receptor activates the receptor and stimulates eumelanin synthesis. This receptor is a major determining factor in sun sensitivity and is a genetic risk factor for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Over 30 variant alleles have been identified which correlate with skin and hair color, providing evidence that this gene is an important component in determining normal human pigment variation. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

leucine rich melanocyte differentiation associated

This gene encodes a leucine-rich repeat protein. The encoded protein is thought to play a role in melanocyte differentiation. Mutations in this gene have been associated with autosomal recessive oculocutaneous albinism 7 (OCA7). Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2015]

Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2

Predicted to enable calcium channel activity. Involved in regulation of neuron apoptotic process. Acts upstream of or within negative regulation of extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway via death domain receptors. Located in Golgi membrane and membrane raft. [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Mar 2025]

apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1

This gene encodes a cytoplasmic protein that initiates apoptosis. This protein contains several copies of the WD-40 domain, a caspase recruitment domain (CARD), and an ATPase domain (NB-ARC). Upon binding cytochrome c and dATP, this protein forms an oligomeric apoptosome. The apoptosome binds and cleaves caspase 9 preproprotein, releasing its mature, activated form. Activated caspase 9 stimulates the subsequent caspase cascade that commits the cell to apoptosis. Alternative splicing results in several transcript variants encoding different isoforms. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

apoptotic BCL2L1-antisense long non-coding RNA

apoptotic chromatin condensation inducer 1

Apoptosis is defined by several morphologic nuclear changes, including chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation. This gene encodes a nuclear protein that induces apoptotic chromatin condensation after activation by caspase-3, without inducing DNA fragmentation. This protein has also been shown to be a component of a splicing-dependent multiprotein exon junction complex (EJC) that is deposited at splice junctions on mRNAs, as a consequence of pre-mRNA splicing. It may thus be involved in mRNA metabolism associated with splicing. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been described for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2011]

TGFB1-induced anti-apoptotic factor 1

Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule

The protein encoded by this gene protects against death receptor-triggered apoptosis and regulates B-cell signaling and differentiation. Several transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2011]