Evidence of Increased DNA Methylation of the Androgen Receptor Gene in Occipital Hair Follicles from Men with Androgenetic Alopecia
March 2011
in “
British Journal of Dermatology
”
TLDR Men with hair loss have more DNA changes in back-of-head hair follicles, possibly protecting them from thinning.
The study found that men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) have higher levels of DNA methylation of the androgen receptor (AR) gene in occipital hair follicles compared to vertex follicles. This may protect occipital hairs from miniaturization and hair loss. The study suggests that this finding could lead to the development of therapeutic strategies for AGA, but further analysis is needed.