How Redheads May Hold the Key to faster Wound Healing
A recent study from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland suggests a surprising link between a gene variant associated with red hair and the speed of wound closure. Published in the journal PNAS on October 7, 2025, the research, conducted on mice, indicates that individuals with variations in the MC1R gene may experience slower healing, but this discovery could ultimately pave the way for novel treatments, particularly for chronic wounds.
The MC1R gene is primarily known for controlling pigmentation, dictating the ratio of black-brown and red-yellow pigments in hair. Approximately 2% of the global population carries the genetic characteristic of rutilism – red hair – often accompanied by fair skin and freckles (ephelides). Though, the study reveals the MC1R gene also plays a role in the epidermis, possessing anti-inflammatory effects. In redheads, the protein encoded by the MC1R gene is often found in less active or inactive forms due to gene mutations.
Researchers tested the impact of this genetic variation by inflicting standardized 4mm surgical wounds on both black-haired and red-haired mice. After one week, wounds in the black-haired mice were 93% closed, substantially higher than the 73% closure observed in the red-haired mice.
This difference prompted the team to investigate a potential therapeutic intervention. An experimental drug designed to boost the activity of the functional protein produced by the MC1R gene was tested. Mice treated with the drug showed a 63% reduction in wound size after another week – nearly twice the healing rate of mice treated with a saline solution.
The implications of this research extend beyond simply understanding the healing process in redheads. Because excessive inflammation often hinders wound closure, particularly in individuals with diabetes and chronic wounds, the drug could offer a targeted solution. Existing treatments already target the MC1R gene protein for rare diseases like erythropoietic protoporphyria,demonstrating a precedent for manipulating this pathway.
While the findings are promising, researchers emphasize the need for further investigation. Human clinical trials are planned to assess the safety and efficacy of the drug.Importantly, the study authors reassure individuals with red hair that any potential impact on healing time is likely to be minor and may not be noticeable.This research highlights how studying genetic variations, even those seemingly related to cosmetic traits, can unlock crucial insights into essential biological processes and lead to breakthroughs in medical treatment.
