Genetic Prediction of Male Pattern Baldness

February 2017 in “ PLoS Genetics ”

Saskia P. Hagenaars, W. David Hill, Sarah E. Harris, Stuart J. Ritchie, Gail Davies, David C. Liewald, Catharine R. Galé, David J. Porteous, Ian J. Deary, Riccardo E. Marioni

male pattern baldness genetic loci genetic variants hair loss genetic prediction genetic targets baldness genes genetic markers

Studysummary In this study, researchers used genetic data from over 52,000 men to identify over 250 genetic loci associated with severe hair loss and developed a predictive algorithm for determining hair loss risk. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study investigated the genetic basis of male pattern baldness using data from over 52,000 male participants in the UK Biobank, aged 40-69. Researchers identified more than 250 genetic loci associated with severe hair loss and developed a prediction algorithm using common genetic variants. This algorithm, tested on a discovery sample of 40,000 and a target sample of 12,000, showed an AUC of 0.78, with sensitivity of 0.74, specificity of 0.69, PPV of 59%, and NPV of 82%. The findings suggested potential for identifying individuals at high risk of hair loss and highlighted possible genetic targets for future interventions.

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