melanotropin receptor

(meh-LA-nuh-TROH-pin reh-SEP-ter) A protein found in skin and eye cells that make melanin (a pigment that gives color to the skin and helps protect it from damage by ultraviolet light). People with certain changes in the gene for melanotropin receptor have a higher risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer that begins in melanocytes). Also called MC1R and melanocortin 1 receptor.