Skin/Hair/Eye Pigmentation 2 and the Genes Behind Blond Hair
Blond hair and fair skin arise from variation in the genes that produce melanin, and testing covers diagnosis, severity, carrier status and prenatal options.
Brandon Colby, MD
MD · MBA
Physician specializing in genetic analysis and personalized preventive medicine, and author of Outsmart Your Genes.
About Brandon
Brandon Colby is a physician-expert in the fields of genetic analysis and Personalized Preventive Medicine. He holds an MD from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, and a degree in Genetics from the University of Michigan.
Dr. Colby is the author of the book Outsmart Your Genes and has developed numerous technologies that improve the analysis, interpretation, and actionability of genome sequencing data. He is an Affiliate Specialist of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), an Associate of the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), and a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).
Education
- BA in Genetics with Honors, University of Michigan · 2000
- MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine · 2004
- MBA, Stanford University Graduate School of Business · 2007
Affiliations & Memberships
- Affiliate Specialist, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)
- Associate, American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM)
- Member, National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
Articles by Brandon Colby, MD are reviewed for accuracy by Sequencing's medical and scientific team. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Articles by Brandon
Skin/Hair/Eye Pigmentation 3, Light/Dark Skin: Diagnosis
Melanin differences behind lighter or darker skin are assessed with medical history, physical examination, sometimes a skin biopsy, and DNA analysis for gene mutations.
Small Cervical Vertebral Bodies and Persistent Neck Pain
Smaller-than-average neck vertebrae are associated with cervical spondylosis and persistent axial neck pain, with X-ray, CT or MRI used to confirm the finding.
Sublingual Nitroglycerin: Why Some Respond Poorly
Nitrates widen blood vessels to ease angina, but some people get little relief; the page explains how genetic testing may flag that risk and where its limits lie.
Unlocking the Mystery of Thecoma: Understanding, Diagnosing, and Utilizing Genetic Testing
Unlock the mystery of thecoma with this comprehensive guide on understanding, diagnosing, and utilizing genetic testing for this rare ovarian tumor. Learn about genetic…
Unlocking the Mysteries of TPM2-Related Cap Myopathy: A Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing, and Genetic Testing
A change in the TPM2 gene alters β-tropomyosin and its binding to actin, weakening muscle. Biopsy shows the caps in fibers and sequencing confirms the cause.
Decoding Uric Acid Concentration: Unraveling the Genetic Mysteries of SUA-QTL2
Discover the benefits of genetic testing for SUA-QTL2 to diagnose and manage uric acid-related conditions, enabling personalized treatment plans and improved patient outcomes.
Uric Acid Quantitative Trait Locus 4: SLC22A12 and ABCG2
The rs121907892 variant in SLC22A12 and impaired ABCG2 transport both affect serum urate, and testing can flag a predisposition to gout and kidney stones.