Polymorphism of the Androgen Receptor Gene Is Associated with Male Pattern Baldness

March 2001 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

Justine A. Ellis, Margaret Susanne Stebbing, Stephen Harrap

androgen receptor male pattern baldness polymorphism CAG triplet repeats GGC triplet repeats genetic markers MPB

Studysummary This study found that specific genetic markers near the androgen receptor gene are significantly more common in men with male pattern baldness, suggesting a genetic component in its development.

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The study found a significant association between male pattern baldness (MPB) and polymorphisms in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. Researchers observed that the StuI restriction site was present in 98.1% of young bald men and 92.3% of older bald men, compared to 76.6% of non-bald men, indicating a strong genetic link. Additionally, shorter CAG and GGC triplet repeats were more common in bald men. These findings suggested that these genetic markers were closely linked to a functional variant necessary for the polygenic determination of MPB, highlighting the complexity of MPB involving both genetic predispositions and androgen receptor activity.

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Research cited in this study

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research Fortnightly Review: Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia

179 citations , September 1998 in “BMJ”

This article reviews the pathogenesis, genetic basis, and recent treatment breakthroughs for androgenetic alopecia but reports no new clinical findings.

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 Balding Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells Contain Higher Levels of Androgen Receptors Than Those From Non-Balding Scalp

227 citations , January 1998 in “Journal of Endocrinology”

This study found that dermal papilla cells from balding scalp hair follicles have significantly higher levels of androgen receptors than those from non-balding follicles, supporting their in vivo androgen response.

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

416 citations , September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

research Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells From Androgen-Dependent Human Hair Follicles Contain More Androgen Receptors Than Those From Non-Balding Areas Of Scalp

124 citations , April 1992 in “Journal of Endocrinology/Journal of endocrinology”

This study observed that cells from androgen-sensitive areas like the beard and scrotum showed higher androgen receptor levels compared to those from non-balding scalp areas, supporting the role of dermal papilla in follicle growth responses to androgens.

research The Inheritance Of Common Baldness: To Be Or Not To Be?

203 citations , November 1984 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study presents evidence suggesting that androgenetic alopecia is most likely inherited through a polygenic model, challenging the traditional view that it is caused by a simple Mendelian autosomal dominant gene.