This information coupled with gene expression analyses highlighted gene regions previously implicated in skin pigmentation (HERC2-OCA2, SLC45A2 and MC1R), inflammation (IL13, HLA and potentially OVOL1-SNX32) or both (IRF4), supporting the hypothesis that both skin type and inflammatory mechanisms play a critical role in rosacea pathophysiology. The gene discussed is OVOL1; the disease is rosacea.