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Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Genetics of Vitiligo
Richard A Spritz1, Genevieve H L Andersen1
1Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Room 3100, MS8300, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
Abstract:
Vitiligo reflects simultaneous contributions of multiple genetic risk factors and environmental triggers. Genomewide association studies have discovered approximately 50 genetic loci contributing to vitiligo risk. At many vitiligo susceptibility loci, the relevant genes and DNA sequence variants are identified. Many encode proteins involved in immune regulation, several play roles in cellular apoptosis, and others regulate functions of melanocytes. Although many of the specific biologic mechanisms need elucidation, it is clear that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease involving a complex relationship between immune system programming and function, aspects of the melanocyte autoimmune target, and dysregulation of the immune response.
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