Do genetics play a role in sun-seeking behavior?
Clinical Applications
Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of DermWorld. She interviews the author of a recent study each month.
By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, August 1, 2021
In this month’s Clinical Applications column, Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, talks with Veronique Bataille, MD, PhD, FRCP, about her recent Journal of Investigative Dermatology paper, "Genetic Predisposition to Sun Seeking in 265,000 Individuals of European Ancestry."
DermWorld: Thank you for being willing to discuss your fascinating article with members of the American Academy of Dermatology. Since many of us care for patients who tan, I am sure your findings will be of great interest. Can you briefly explain your study and why you felt this was a worthwhile endeavor?
Dr. Bataille: There is such a difference in sun seeking behavior between individuals which is often irrespective of skin type, so we felt that genetic factors were likely to play a role. Sun exposure is also vital for health so it was hypothesized that genetic factors must influence this behavior.
DermWorld: What did your study show?
Dr. Bataille: It showed that sun seeking behavior has a significant genetic component and furthermore highlighted some genes which play a role in our tendency to seek the sun and, interestingly, these genes have been linked to addictive behaviors.
DermWorld: For the scientifically uninitiated, what is “GWAS” and what sorts of information can it provide? Are there limitations as to what we can conclude from these studies?
Dr. Bataille: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) link markers of the genome to a particular trait or behavior. Yes, there are limitations as the behavior in question, such as sun exposure, may be affected by poor recall or recall bias especially when you look at lifetime exposure. The markers across the genome may also not provide uniform coverage so some genomic regions may be less explored. This is the case for sex chromosomes which are usually not covered in GWAS.
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DermWorld: Did your study look for a link between tanning behavior and any other potentially addictive behaviors? Should we be screening our patients who tan regularly for any of these?
Dr. Bataille: No, we did not look at associations with addictive behaviors in this study, but it is well known that excessive sunbed use is a recognized form of addictive behavior. It is likely to be the same for excessive intentional sun exposure
DermWorld: I was always taught that tanners learn their behavior from their mothers. It seems that there may be some biologic truth to this. So, I guess we can now blame our genes? Do you care to comment on this?
Dr. Bataille: There is no doubt that there are also familial and cultural influences on sun exposure behavior, so dissecting nurture and nature may be difficult. However, within families with the same environment, it is not uncommon for family members to have different sun seeking behavior which could be explained by genetic differences.
Veronique Bataille, MD, PhD, FRCP serves as a consultant dermatologist at West Herts NHS Trust and is a senior clinical research fellow at Kings College London. Her paper appeared in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Dr. Bataille has no conflicts of interest to disclose.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of DermWorld.
