Androgenetic Alopecia in Heterozygous Carriers of a Mutation in the Human Hairless Gene

June 2000 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”

Eli Sprecher, Adel Shalata, Kamal Dabhah, Boris Futerman e, Shai Lin, Raymonde Szargel, Reuven Bergman, Rachel Friedman-Birnbaum, Nadine Cohen

androgenetic alopecia hairless gene hair follicles genetic testing mutation hair growth hair development AGA genetic testing

Studysummary This study reported that heterozygous carriers of a mutation in the human hairless gene did not differ from healthy homozygotes in the pattern of androgenetic alopecia. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This document is a collection of summaries of various studies on the relationship between the hairless gene and androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The studies suggest that carrying a mutation in the hairless gene may increase the likelihood of developing AGA, but more research is needed to fully understand the role of this gene in hair loss. The hairless gene is important for hair growth and development, and disruption of this gene can prevent hair follicles from starting a new cycle. The studies emphasize the need for genetic testing in individuals with a family history of hair loss to identify carriers of the mutation.

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Research cited in this study

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research The Role of the Hairless (Hr) Gene in the Regulation of Hair Follicle Catagen Transformation

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research Molecular and Functional Aspects of the Hairless (Hr) Gene in Laboratory Rodents and Humans

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research Fortnightly Review: Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia

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research Male Pattern Hair Loss: Current Understanding

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Genetics and hormones cause hair loss; finasteride treats it safely.

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research Genetic Analysis of Male Pattern Baldness and the 5α-Reductase Genes

169 citations , June 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found no significant genetic association between the 5α-reductase enzyme genes and male pattern baldness, suggesting a polygenic etiology rather than simple inheritance.

research Alopecia Universalis Associated With a Mutation in the Human Hairless Gene

412 citations , January 1998 in “Science”

This study identified a missense mutation in the human hairless gene associated with a rare form of recessively inherited alopecia universalis, pinpointed on chromosome 8p12.

research Atrichia and Papular Lesions: Report of a Case

18 citations , January 1992 in “Dermatology”

This case report details atrichia with papular lesions in a 4-year-old girl, highlighting specific histological findings on her scalp and other affected areas.

research Atrichia With Papular Lesions

32 citations , May 1986 in “Archives of Dermatology”

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