Genetic Prediction Of Male Pattern Baldness

August 2016 in “ bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) ”

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 hair loss genetic variants prediction algorithm AUC genetic targets baldness genes algorithm

Studysummary In this study, researchers identified over 250 new genetic loci linked to severe male pattern baldness, and developed a prediction algorithm that could accurately differentiate between those with severe and no hair loss. 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 years. Researchers identified more than 250 novel genetic loci associated with severe hair loss. They developed a prediction algorithm based on common genetic variants, which accurately distinguished between individuals with no hair loss and those with severe hair loss (AUC = 0.82). These findings could help identify individuals at high risk for hair loss and suggest potential genetic targets for intervention.

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