SelfDecode uses the only scientifically validated genetic prediction technology for consumers. Read more

skin & beauty
cancer
CDK10

Disruptions of the Cell Cycle in Melanoma Development (CDK10)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on January 7th, 2021
Sign Up to Unlock Personalized Results

The CDK10 gene encodes a protein that helps regulate the growth and reproduction of cells. What is its role in melanoma? Read on to find out.

Summary

CDK10 encodes cyclin dependent kinase 10. Variants of CDK10 may play a role in melanoma by disrupting the cell cycle. Lifestyle, diet, and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by stabilizing the cell cycle and preventing uncontrolled growth.

CDK10 and Melanoma

The CDK10 gene encodes a protein called cyclin dependent kinase 10. This protein plays a role in the growth and reproduction of cells at a very specific point during the cell’s reproductive cycle [R].

Mutations in CDK10 have been linked to STAR syndrome, a very rare condition that causes deformities in the fingers, toes, skull, anus, genitals, and kidneys; other organs and systems may also be affected. Variants associated with STAR syndrome appear to decrease the production of the CDK10 protein [R, R].

Oddly, variation in the CDK10 gene is also believed to affect hair and skin color as well as body weight [R, R].

Many cancers develop when cells lose the ability to regulate their own growth and reproduction. Because of CDK10’s role in the cell cycle, it has been extensively studied for its relationship to cancer in general and melanoma in particular [R].

CDK10 interacts with ETS2, another protein that has been strongly associated with melanoma. Through ETS2, variants in CDK10 may allow cells to reproduce without the usual control mechanisms of the cell cycle. Cells that reproduce uncontrollably form tumors, which can then become cancerous [R, R].

The CDK10 gene encodes a protein that helps regulate the growth and reproduction of cells. Some variants of this gene may interact with ETS2 to promote unregulated cell growth and melanoma.

Your CDK10 Results for Melanoma

SNP Table

variant genotype frequency risk allele
rs35063026
rs258322

 

CDK10 rs35063026 [R]

  • ‘C’ = Associated with relatively lower rates of melanoma
  • ‘T’ = Associated with relatively higher rates of melanoma
  • The ‘T’ allele may interact with ETS2 to promote unregulated cell growth and melanoma [R, R].

CDK10 rs258322 [R, R, R]

  • ‘G’ = Associated with relatively lower rates of melanoma 
  • ‘A’ = Associated with relatively higher rates of melanoma
  • The ‘A’ allele may interact with ETS2 to promote unregulated cell growth and melanoma [R, R].

 

Recommendations

Avoid UV Exposure

Ultraviolet light exposure can cause disruptions to the regulation of the cell cycle by damaging DNA. This may be especially dangerous for people with detrimental CDK10 variants who may already have disrupted cell cycles [R].

Excessive, unprotected exposure to UV radiation is by far the main risk factor for the development of melanoma. UV from both the sun and artificial sources (tanning beds and sun lamps) damages the DNA of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), potentially causing mutations that turn these cells into melanomas [R, R, R].

People with low levels of the protective pigment melanin, who typically have fair skin, blond or red hair, and light-colored eyes, are at higher risk of melanoma than those with dark skin [R].

Alternatively, every single mole has a small probability of turning into cancer. Having a high number of moles, especially if they are large or have atypical features, also increases the risk of this skin cancer type [R, R].

Reducing exposure to UV by limiting sun exposure (especially during the middle of the day), wearing protective clothing and sunscreen, and being aware of skin-sensitizing medications can greatly reduce the risk of melanoma.

Exposure to UV light can cause DNA damage and disrupt the cell cycle. UV radiation is also a major risk factor for melanoma.

B Vitamins

Vitamins B9 (folate) and B12 (cobalamin) help regulate the cell cycle, and deficiencies in these nutrients may cause disruptions to the normal growth and reproduction of cells. People with detrimental CDK10 variants, who may already be prone to disruptions in the cell cycle, should be sure to get enough B9 and B12 either through their diets or supplementation [R].

Supplementation with a combination of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), folate, and B12 was associated with a reduced incidence of melanoma in 3 studies of over 119,000 people [R, R, R].

The National Institutes of Health recommends an intake of at least 400 mcg of folate and 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 per day. Liver and green vegetables are the richest dietary sources of folate; shellfish, fish, and liver are the richest dietary sources of B12 [R, R].

Deficiencies in vitamins B9 and B12 may disrupt the cell cycle, and supplementing with these vitamins has been linked to a reduced incidence of melanoma.

Author photo
Jasmine Foster
BSc, BEd

Jasmine received her BS from McGill University and her BEd from Vancouver Island University.

Jasmine loves helping people understand their brains and bodies, a passion that grew out of her dual background in biology and education. From the chem lab to the classroom, everyone has the right to learn and make informed decisions about their health.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

More skin & beauty blogs

More cancer blogs

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Shipping Worldwide

30-Days Money-Back Guarantee*

US & EU Based Labs & Shipping

Essential Bundle

SelfDecode DNA Kit Included

  • 24/7 AI Health Coach
  • 1500+ Comprehensive DNA Health Reports
  • Personalized Diet, Supplement, & Lifestyle Recommendations
  • Lifestyle Risk Assessments
  • Unlimited access to Labs Analyzer

HSA & FSA Eligible

Essential

Bundle

SelfDecode DNA Kit Included

  • Everything in essential
  • Detox Pathways
  • Methylation Pathway
  • Histamine Pathway
  • Dopamine & Norepinephrine Pathway Report
  • +130 Medical Reports
  • 25+ Longevity Screener Risk Assessments
  • Odds ratios to evaluate your risk for 25+ medical conditions
  • 10-year risk scores to prioritize health conditions
  • Lifetime risk scores to plan for long-term health

HSA & FSA Eligible

HSA & FSA Eligible

Ultimate Bundle

SelfDecode DNA Kit Included

  • Everything in essential+
  • Medication Check (PGx testing) for 50+ medications
  • DNAmind PGx Report
  • 40+ Family Planning (Carrier Status) Reports
  • Ancestry Composition
  • Deep Ancestry (Mitochondrial)

Limited Time Offer 25% Off

$927
$695
Accepted Payment Methods

* SelfDecode DNA kits are non-refundable. If you choose to cancel your plan within 30 days you will not be refunded the cost of the kit.

We will never share your data

We follow HIPAA and GDPR policies

We have World-Class Encryption & Security

People Love Us

Rated 4.7/5 from 750+ reviews

People Trust Us

200,000+ users, 2,000+ doctors & 100+ businesses

SelfDecode is a personalized health report service, which enables users to obtain detailed information and reports based on their genome. SelfDecode strongly encourages those who use our service to consult and work with an experienced healthcare provider as our services are not to replace the relationship with a licensed doctor or regular medical screenings.

SelfDecode © 2025. All rights reserved.

Health reports

High Blood Sugar
Anxiety
Gluten Sensitivity
Gut Inflammation
Blood Pressure
IBS
Mood
Insomnia
PTSD
Mood Swings
Overweight
Memory Performance
Sexual Dysfunction
PCOS
Psoriasis
Joint Pain
Attention/ADHD
Chronic Fatigue / Tiredness
Allergies
Asthma
Acne
Tinnitus
Eczema
Food Allergy
Vitamin B6
Vitamin E
Restless Leg Syndrome
Grinding Teeth
Vitamin A
Magnesium
Zinc
Heart Health
Migraines
(High) Cholesterol
Headache
Chronic Pain
Back pain
Shoulder & Neck Pain
Stress
Inflammation
Omega-3 needs
Salt Sensitivity
Endurance
Power performance
Strength
Exercise recovery
Brain Fog
Female Fertility
Longevity
Addiction
Erectile Dysfunction
Male Infertility
MTHFR
Joint Inflammation
GERD
Ulcers
Sleep Apnea
Periodontitis
Varicose Veins
H. pylori
Liver Health
Canker Sores
Gallstones
Kidney Health
Gout
Hair Loss (Male-Pattern Baldness)
Riboflavin
Urticaria
Rosacea
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Sinus Congestion
Cavities
Artery Hardening
Vertigo
Vitiligo
Myopia
Indigestion
Excessive Sweating
Testosterone – Males
Yeast infection (Candida)
Endometriosis
Tobacco addiction
Alcohol addiction
Uterine fibroids
Length of menstrual cycle
UTI
OCD
Kidney Stones
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Folate
Iron
Eating Disorders
Bone Health
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Sugar Cravings
Hearing/difficulty problem /Hearing loss
Painful Periods
Palpitations
Hemorrhoids
Hypotension
Bladder Control
Constipation
Appendicitis
Low Blood Sugar
Irregular Periods
Metabolic rate
Visceral fat
Lung Health
Anemia
Calcium
Cognition
Cognitive Decline
Seasonal Low Mood
Vitamin K
Phosphate
HRV
Cluster headaches
Knee Pain
Hip Pain
Selenium
Low back injury
Dyslexia
Cannabis addiction
Histamine Intolerance
Carnitine
Pesticide Sensitivity
Organophosphate Sensitivity
Cadmium
Lead
Melatonin
FSH
T4
T3
High PTH
Potassium
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Chromium
Oxalate Sensitivity
Salicylate Sensitivity
Facial Wrinkles
Age Spots
Ligament Rupture (ACL Injury)
Tendon Injury (Tendinopathy)
Omega 6
Omega 6:Omega 3 Ratio
Arachidonic Acid
Oleic Acid
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
EPA
GLA
Linoleic Acid
DHA
Insulin Resistance
Sperm Motility
Homocysteine
C difficile
Pneumonia
EBV Infection
Gastrointestinal Infection
Chronic Bronchitis
Copper
Skin Elasticity
Skin Hydration
Egg allergy
ApoB
GGT
TIBC
Bioavailable Testosterone (Male)
MPV
Chloride
Free T4
Processing Speed
Short-term memory
TMAO
Air pollution sensitivity
Heart Rate
VO2 Max
Flu
Hair graying
Caffeine-Related Sleep Problems
Groin Hernia
Stretch marks
Droopy Eyelids
Strep infection
Dry eyes
Carbohydrate Consumption
Peanut allergy
Heart rate recovery
Muscle recovery
Jaw Disorders
HPV Infection
Acute Bronchitis
Chlamydia
Genital Herpes
Pancreas inflammation
Executive Function
Pyroglutamic acid
Raynaud’s
Liver Scarring
Dandruff
Bioavailable Testosterone (Female)
Shrimp allergy
Haptoglobin
Milk allergy
Beta-Alanine
Taurine
LDL Particle Size
Diarrhea
Snoring
Uric acid
Phenylalanine
Leucine
Glutamine
Valine
Glycine
Alanine
Lysine
Arginine
Histidine
Tyrosine
Cortisol
DHEAS
Insulin
Prolactin
TSH
Lactate
Ketone Bodies
IL-17A (Th17 Dominance)
Creatine Kinase
Neutrophils
Basophils
Eosinophils
Ferritin
ALT
AST
MCV
Hematocrit
RDW
SHBG
Total Protein
Albumin
MCH
Sodium
MCHC
Alkaline Phosphatase
Monocytes
Ghrelin
IL10 (Th2)
IL-6 (Th2 and Th17)
Iodine
Chili Pepper sensitivity
COMT
DRD2 (Dopamine)
Lectin Sensitivity
Thiamine
Biotin
Mold Sensitivity (Foodborne)
Chronic Lyme
BDNF
Glyphosate sensitivity
BPA Sensitivity
Pregnenolone
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Growth Hormone
IgA
Molybdenum
Sensitivity to Dairy (IgG Casein)
Telomere Length
Serotonin (5HIAA)
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (IgG Gliadin)
Manganese
Klotho
Mold Sensitivity (Airborne)
Amylase
Lipase
Low Sperm Count
Tryptophan
Methionine
Glutamate
Proline
Blood Calcium
Hypertriglyceridemia
HDL Cholesterol
HbA1c
Hemoglobin
Total Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol
IGF1
Fasting Glucose
Bilirubin (total)
White blood cell count
Red blood cell count
Platelets
eGFR
Creatinine
Estradiol
Neuroticism
Sleep Quality
Lactose Intolerance
Saturated fat
Optimal diet
Unsaturated fat
Achilles tendon injury
Deep sleep
Fat
Response to Stress
Leadership
Ankle injury
Creativity
Hoarding
Protein
Optimal Exercise
Knee Injury
Rotator cuff injury
Extraversion
Risk-Taking
Happiness
Daytime Sleepiness
Morningness
Time spent watching TV
Disliking cilantro
Alcohol Sensitivity
Response to Caffeine
Snacking
Weight Regain
Sleep movement
Wearing glasses or contacts
Educational Attainment
Bitter Taste Sensitivity
Agreeableness
Aggression
Conscientiousness
Openness to experience
Physical activity
Caffeine-Related Anxiety
Naps