2012 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2012. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

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Is melanin produced to shield our cells from UV rays? Does the production of melanin, in any way, affect the absorption of vitamin D?      Emily Hardisty: I work as a reproductive genetic counselor. I meet with couples to review their chance of having a child with a health problem and to discuss the testing options available to provide them with more information about the health of their pregnancy. I attempt to help them make decisions consistent with their values and beliefs. Yes. Melanin is a photoprotectant. It helps to shield the cells from UV radiation and reduce the risk of indirect DNA damage (and skin cancer). Melanin does not affect the absorption of vitamin D from food. However, vitamin D is made by the skin in response to sunlight. People with more melanin will produce less vitamin D in response to sunlight. Loke Li Voon (student)

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