Rare case of red hair in Indian child prompts new genetic study

Hyderabad: Scientists at CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad have documented a rare case of red hair in an Indian child, a trait more commonly seen in Europeans.

The study began after researchers examined a five-year-old Indian girl who had red hair on her scalp, eyebrows and body, but retained dark eyes. Indians typically have black hair, with grey appearing with age, making the phenotype extremely uncommon.

From this case, the team explored the role of the MC1R gene, or melanocortin 1 receptor, which regulates skin and hair pigmentation. The findings offer fresh insight into India’s complex genetic landscape and how variations in MC1R can produce unexpected traits.

CCMB researchers said the case highlights the genetic diversity within the Indian population and could help explain rare pigment variations. The study adds to global understanding of how MC1R functions across different ancestries.