TLDR A mutation in the human hairless gene causes alopecia universalis.
The study investigated a kindred with a rare, recessively inherited type of alopecia universalis to identify the genetic basis of this condition. Through homozygosity mapping, researchers established linkage in a 6-centimorgan interval on chromosome 8p12, with a significant logarithm of the odds score of 6.19. They identified a missense mutation in the human homolog of the murine hairless gene within this interval. The human hairless gene encodes a putative single zinc finger transcription factor protein, which is expressed in the brain and skin, suggesting its role in the development of alopecia universalis.
80 citations
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January 1995 in “The American Journal of Medicine” Hair loss in androgenetic alopecia is caused by genetic factors and androgen excess, and can be treated with combined therapies.
745 citations
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February 1992 in “Trends in genetics” Hair follicles create different cell layers and proteins, controlled by various molecules.
1 citations
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October 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Using minoxidil and tofacitinib together can effectively treat severe hair loss.
148 citations
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December 2018 in “Journal of autoimmunity” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss, often with other autoimmune disorders, but its exact causes are unknown.
May 2018 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology” Combining platelet-rich plasma therapy with prostaglandin-F eye drops can significantly regrow hair in alopecia universalis.
2 citations
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March 2017 in “JAAD case reports” Oral alitretinoin can quickly regrow hair in alopecia universalis.
51 citations
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June 2016 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Tofacitinib was effective in treating hair loss in two patients with alopecia universalis.
