Mutation load in melanoma is affected by MC1R genotype.

Whole-genome sequencing of matched germline and tumour pairs in a well-characterized cohort of melanoma patients allowed investigation of associations between melanoma body site, age at melanoma onset and MC1R variant status with overall mutation burden and specific base pair changes observed in the corresponding melanoma. We observed statistically significant associations between mutation burden in melanoma and body site, age at onset and MC1R genotype, for both ultraviolet radiation (UVR) signature changes (C>T and CC>TT) and non-UVR base pair substitutions, as well as with overall variant load.