In 2005, our lab uncovered one of the most pervasive genetic mutations on SLC24A5, the contributor to the light skin color of Europeans. When compared to Africans, Europeans are 10-20 times more susceptible to the deadliest form of skin cancer—melanoma. Despite their similarly light skin color, East Asians have melanoma incidences similar to Africans. To understand this difference our project will identify the East Asian light skin color genes.