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MTAP

Interferons and Polyamine Metabolism in Melanoma (MTAP)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on January 8th, 2021

The enzyme encoded by the MTAP gene has significantly reduced activity in melanoma. Click here to dig deeper into the connection.

Summary

MTAP encodes methylthioadenosine phosphorylase. Variants of MTAP may play a role in melanoma by disrupting polyamine metabolism and decreasing interferon activity. Lifestyle, diet, and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by avoiding conditions that may be worse for those with low MTAP activity.

MTAP and Melanoma

The MTAP gene encodes an enzyme called methylthioadenosine phosphorylase. This enzyme metabolizes molecules called polyamines, which are essential for cell growth and reproduction. Polyamine levels drop as people age, and low levels are also associated with stress and disease [R, R].

However, polyamine levels tend to be unusually high in cancer cells, possibly due to mutations in these cells. Some researchers have proposed targeting polyamines in future cancer treatments [R].

The MTAP gene is physically close to P16, a gene that prevents the development of tumors. P16 is often deleted in mutations that cause cancer, and MTAP is close enough that it tends to be deleted at the same time. As such, the MTAP enzyme is deficient in many types of cancer, including prostate cancer, osteosarcoma, and soft tissue sarcoma [R, R, R, R].

At least one variant in the MTAP gene has been associated with melanoma; researchers believe that risk alleles in MTAP lead to reduced expression of this gene and reduced activity of the MTAP enzyme [R, R, R].

MTAP is believed to affect the activity of STAT1, which is important in the context of cancer because STAT1 activates interferons alpha and beta (IFN-a and IFN-b). These immune system proteins may be deficient in melanoma, and some researchers have even suggested directly administering interferons in melanoma patients [R, R].

The enzyme encoded by the MTAP gene has significantly reduced activity in melanoma. This association may arise because MTAP stimulates the activity of interferons, which in turn may suppress melanoma development.

Your MTAP Results for Melanoma

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs7023329

MTAP rs7023329 [R, R, R]

‘A’ = Associated with relatively higher rates of melanoma
‘G’ = Associated with relatively lower rates of melanoma
The ‘G’ allele may increase MTAP enzyme activity, leading to higher interferon levels and reduced incidence of melanoma [R, R].

Recommendations

Avoid UV Exposure

Variation in the MTAP gene is associated with the development of moles in response to UV radiation exposure through sunlight. This association suggests that MTAP may influence how sensitive the skin is to UV [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 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.

MTAP may help protect the skin from damage due to UV radiation exposure; it may therefore be especially important to protect yourself from UV if you have low-activity MTAP variants.

B Vitamins

A cancer study in mice found that MTAP was required for normal folate (vitamin B9) metabolism. Animals with normal MTAP and animals lacking MTAP were fed a diet deficient in folate; those with low MTAP developed metabolic symptoms that could be reversed by supplementing folate. Though the interaction between MTAP and folate is complex, researchers have suggested that it may help explain why folate deficiency has been linked to prostate cancer [R].

Supplementation with a combination of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (as folic acid), and B1 2 (cobalamin) was associated with a reduced incidence of melanoma in 3 studies of over 119,000 people [R, R, R].

According to the National Institutes of Health, the average adult needs 400 mcg of folate per day. The richest food sources of folate include liver and leafy green vegetables. This vitamin is also available as a supplement, the most bioavailable form being methylfolate [R].

MTAP and folate (vitamin B9) interact in a complex pathway that may help protect against the development of cancer; supplementation with a combination of B vitamins may reduce the incidence of melanoma.

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.

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Summary MTAP and Melanoma Your MTAP Results for Melanoma

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Interferons and Polyamine Metabolism in Melanoma (MTAP)

Summary

MTAP and Melanoma

Your MTAP Results for Melanoma

SNP Table

Recommendations

Avoid UV Exposure

B Vitamins

Disclaimer

More skin & beauty blogs

More cancer blogs

Content

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Essential Bundle

Essential

Bundle

Ultimate Bundle

Limited Time Offer 25% Off

Policies

About

Navigation

Health reports