Male Hair Loss – What Our Genes Reveal

February 2024 in “ BIOspektrum ”

Sabrina K. Henne, Markus M. Nöthen, Markus M. Nöthen

male-pattern hair loss MPHL genetic causes biological causes heritable molecular genetic studies

TLDR Genetic research may lead to better ways to predict and treat male-pattern hair loss.

The document discusses the genetic and biological causes of male-pattern hair loss (MPHL), a condition that affects up to 80% of European men. The condition is highly heritable and current treatment options are limited, which underscores the need for a better understanding of its biological causes. Recent molecular genetic studies have provided significant insights into these causes. The findings from these studies have the potential to improve prediction and treatment of hair loss.

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research Analysis of 72,469 UK Biobank Exomes Links Rare Variants to Male-Pattern Hair Loss

September 2023 in “Nature Communications”

Rare genetic variants in five specific genes are linked to male-pattern hair loss but only account for a small part of the risk.

research Short Anagen Hair Syndrome: Association With Mono- and Biallelic Variants in WNT10A and a Genetic Overlap With Male Pattern Hair Loss

September 2023 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Some cases of short anagen hair syndrome are linked to specific genetic variations that are also connected to male pattern baldness.

research Male-Pattern Hair Loss: Comprehensive Identification of the Associated Genes as a Basis for Understanding Pathophysiology

April 2023 in “Medizinische Genetik”

research Mapping of Cis-Acting Expression Quantitative Trait Loci in Human Scalp Hair Follicles

4 citations , November 2020 in “BMC Dermatology”

Researchers identified genes in scalp hair follicles that may affect hair traits and hair loss.

research Hormonal Regulation in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: Sex Hormones and Beyond - Evidence from Recent Genetic Studies

15 citations , July 2020 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Hormones and genes affect hair growth and male baldness.

research Insights into Male Androgenetic Alopecia: Differential Gene Expression Profiling of Plucked Hair Follicles and Integration with Genetic Data

7 citations , January 2019 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Gene differences found in hair follicles linked to male baldness.

research Meta-Analysis Identifies Novel Risk Loci and Yields Systematic Insights into the Biology of Male-Pattern Baldness

64 citations , March 2017 in “Nature communications”

Researchers found 63 genes linked to male-pattern baldness, which could help in understanding its biology and developing new treatments.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Identification Of Four Genetic Risk Loci And Evidence For The Contribution Of WNT Signaling To Its Etiology

74 citations , June 2013 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Four genetic risk spots found for hair loss, with WNT signaling involved and a link to curly hair.

research Scratching the Surface of Skin Development

788 citations , February 2007 in “Nature”

The document concludes that skin stem cells are important for hair growth and wound healing, and could be used in regenerative medicine.

research Towards a Molecular Understanding of Hair Loss and Its Treatment

236 citations , July 2001 in “Trends in Molecular Medicine”

Future hair loss treatments should aim to extend hair growth, reactivate resting follicles, reverse shrinkage, and possibly create new follicles, with gene therapy showing promise.