TLDR Certain mutations in a hair growth-related gene cause a type of genetic hair loss.
In the 2009 study, researchers found that mutations in an inhibitory upstream open reading frame (uORF) of the human hairless (HR) gene transcript, designated U2HR, cause Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis (MUHH), a form of genetic hair loss. The study included a large Chinese family and 18 additional families from various ancestral backgrounds. The U2HR is conserved among mammals and mutations in this region, such as loss of initiation, delayed termination codon, and nonsense and missense mutations, lead to increased translation of the main HR protein. This overexpression of HR protein due to the loss of U2HR's regulatory function is implicated in the pathogenesis of MUHH, suggesting that precise regulation of HR protein levels is vital for hair growth and maintenance.
829 citations
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May 2007 in “Nature” Hair follicles can regrow in wounded adult mouse skin using a process like embryo development.
74 citations
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September 2006 in “Cell Cycle” The HR protein's role as a repressor is essential for controlling hair growth.
137 citations
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September 2005 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” The HR protein helps hair grow by blocking a hair growth inhibitor, aiding in hair follicle regeneration.
178 citations
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October 2001 in “Genes & Development” The mutated hairless gene causes hair loss by acting as a new type of corepressor affecting thyroid hormone receptors.
36 citations
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October 2000 in “British Journal of Dermatology” A different gene near the hairless gene on chromosome 8p21 causes a rare hair loss condition in a German family.
29 citations
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March 2000 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” The gene for Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis is located on chromosome 8p21.
1113 citations
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August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.
412 citations
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January 1998 in “Science” A mutation in the human hairless gene causes alopecia universalis.
The article concludes that understanding the causes of hair loss and using continuous treatments like minoxidil and finasteride can help manage it, despite potential side effects.
