A Missense Mutation in Lama3 Causes Androgen Alopecia

The research identified a new gene mutation in the Lama3 gene linked to androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a common hair loss disorder. This mutation was discovered in laboratory-bred hairless mice and was found to be completely linked to the hairless phenotype. The Lama3 gene encodes the alpha subunit of laminin-332, a crucial component in skin development and hair dynamic homeostasis. Mice with the Lama3 mutation, constructed using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, began showing signs of AGA 80 days after birth. The study suggests that the Lama3 single-base mutant mouse could be a useful model for studying AGA and that the Lama3 mutation could be a potential cause of AGA, providing a new target for future hair loss research and treatment strategies.