Role of TYR Gene Variants (Rs6482999 and Rs7123654) in Genetic Susceptibility to Vitiligo in Himachal Pradesh Population

Abstract

“Vitiligo is an idiopathic skin depigmentation disorder affecting only 1% of the total population. It is characterized by milky white patches on the skin. It is caused by destruction of pigment-forming cells known as melanocytes at the lesional site. Melanocytes are the cells which are responsible for the color of the skin and their destruction leads to depigmentation of the skin.The exact cause of loss of these cells is still not known. But various theories which are further covered in the thesis explain the pathogenesis of vitiligo. The consequences of this disease are not life threatening but can have profound psychological consequences which may range from mild embarrassment to severe loss ofself-esteem and self-confidence.Various research groups are finding the main reason for the occurrence and cause of mechanism of skin pigmentation with a goal of developing some treatment of the disease. Various biological and chemical agents have been developed, that target this disease. Moreover, similar type of treatment cannot be given to all the patients as the disease has various types. Therefore, there is need to develop new biomarkers and various types of methods to predict the outcome of the therapy”.