FGF5 Is a Crucial Regulator of Hair Length in Humans

July 2014 in “ Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America ”

Claire A. Higgins, Lynn Petukhova, Sivan Harel, Yuan Y. Ho, Esther Drill, Lawrence Shapiro, Muhammad Wajid, Angela M. Christiano

FGF5 fibroblast growth factor 5 trichomegaly anagen catagen hair follicles hair growth hair elongation hair growth phase hair growth inhibition

TLDR FGF5 gene mutations cause unusually long eyelashes by affecting hair growth regulation.

The study concluded that FGF5 (fibroblast growth factor 5) played a crucial role in regulating hair length in humans. Researchers identified mutations in the FGF5 gene associated with longer hair, particularly in individuals with trichomegaly, characterized by excessively long eyelashes. Genetic analysis of 30 family members and 50 control individuals revealed that these mutations led to longer hair fibers and an increased proportion of hair in the growth phase (anagen). In vitro experiments showed that adding FGF5 to human hair follicles induced premature catagen entry, reducing hair growth. The findings suggested that FGF5 is a key inhibitor of hair elongation and a potential therapeutic target for managing hair growth.

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