The overexpression of MC1R on malignant melanomas suggests that peptides such as α-MSH (Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2, an N-terminal acetylated and C-terminal amidated tridecapeptide) regulate skin pigmentation in most vertebrates. This evidence concerns the gene MC1R and melanoma.