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Using skin samples collected from variously colored cats, the researchers homed in on a mutation on the X chromosome that increases the amount of a protein called Arhgap36 only in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.

They began testing to see if it could benefit melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, the dark pigment in question.

Mutations that make Mc1r less active cause melanocytes to get “stuck” producing the light pigment.

Melanoma arising from pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Melanoma cells develop from melanocytes -- skin cells that produce melanin.