Characterization of Hairless (Hr) and FGF5 Genes Provides Insights into the Molecular Basis of Hair Loss in Cetaceans

February 2013 in “ BMC evolutionary biology ”

Zhuo Chen, Zhengfei Wang, Shixia Xu, Kaiya Zhou, Guang Yang

Hairless gene Hr gene FGF5 gene hair loss hair growth cycle positive selection hairless phenotype genetic mechanisms evolutionary adaptation

TLDR Cetaceans lost hair due to changes in the Hr and FGF5 genes.

The study investigated the molecular basis of hair loss in cetaceans by analyzing the Hairless (Hr) and FGF5 genes across seven cetacean species. Researchers found that the Hr gene experienced functional loss, while the FGF5 gene was under strong positive selection, particularly in toothed whales, indicating its role in terminating the hair growth cycle. These genetic changes, likely under positive selection, contributed to the hairless phenotype in cetaceans, providing insights into their evolutionary adaptation to aquatic environments. The study highlighted the complex genetic mechanisms behind hair loss in cetaceans and the evolutionary pressures shaping these adaptations.

View this study on bmcecolevol.biomedcentral.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

14 / 14 results

research Analysis of Hairless Corepressor Mutants to Characterize Molecular Cooperation with the Vitamin D Receptor in Promoting the Mammalian Hair Cycle

22 citations , April 2010 in “Journal of Cellular Biochemistry”

Certain mutations in the hairless protein disrupt its ability to regulate the hair cycle.

research Hairless Is a Nuclear Receptor Corepressor Essential for Skin Function

30 citations , January 2009 in “Nuclear Receptor Signaling”

Hairless protein is crucial for healthy skin and hair, and its malfunction can cause hair loss.

research Four Independent Mutations in the Feline Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 Gene Determine the Long-Haired Phenotype in Domestic Cats

75 citations , September 2007 in “Journal of Heredity”

FGF5 gene mutations cause long hair in domestic cats.

research The Long And The Short Of It: Evidence That FGF5 Is A Major Determinant Of Canine Hair-Itability

73 citations , June 2006 in “Animal genetics”

The FGF5 gene determines hair length in dogs.

research Physical And Functional Interaction Between The Vitamin D Receptor And Hairless Corepressor, Two Proteins Required For Hair Cycling

215 citations , September 2003 in “Journal of Biological Chemistry”

Vitamin D receptor and hairless protein are essential for hair growth.

research Atrichia With Papular Lesions Resulting From a Novel Homozygous Missense Mutation in the Hairless Gene

20 citations , August 2003 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

A new genetic mutation in the hairless gene causes a rare hair loss disorder.

research A Novel Missense Mutation Affecting the Human Hairless Thyroid Receptor Interacting Domain 2 Causes Congenital Atrichia

26 citations , October 2002 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

A specific gene mutation causes congenital hair loss.

research Novel Hairless Mutations in Two Kindreds with Autosomal Recessive Papular Atrichia

66 citations , December 1999 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

New mutations in the hairless gene may cause hair loss and affect bone development.

research The Biology of Hair Follicles

1113 citations , August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.

research The Role of the Hairless (Hr) Gene in the Regulation of Hair Follicle Catagen Transformation

166 citations , July 1999 in “American Journal Of Pathology”

The hairless (hr) gene is essential for normal hair follicle function and its mutation leads to hair loss.

research Molecular and Functional Aspects of the Hairless (Hr) Gene in Laboratory Rodents and Humans

126 citations , October 1998 in “Experimental Dermatology”

The hr gene is crucial for skin and hair health, with mutations causing hair disorders.

research Towards Defining the Pathogenesis of the Hairless Phenotype

86 citations , June 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

The hairless gene mutation causes baldness by disrupting hair follicle structure.

research Alopecia Universalis Associated With a Mutation in the Human Hairless Gene

412 citations , January 1998 in “Science”

A mutation in the human hairless gene causes alopecia universalis.

research The Secret Life of the Hair Follicle

745 citations , February 1992 in “Trends in genetics”

Hair follicles create different cell layers and proteins, controlled by various molecules.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

Werewolf, There Wolf: Variants in Hairless Associated with Hypotrichia and Roaning in the Lykoi Cat Breed

research Biology of the Hair Follicle: The Basics

224 citations , March 2006 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

The document concludes that understanding hair follicle biology can lead to better hair loss treatments.

Characterization of Hairless (Hr) and FGF5 Genes Provides Insights into the Molecular Basis of Hair Loss in Cetaceans

Research cited in this study

research Analysis of Hairless Corepressor Mutants to Characterize Molecular Cooperation with the Vitamin D Receptor in Promoting the Mammalian Hair Cycle

research Hairless Is a Nuclear Receptor Corepressor Essential for Skin Function

research Four Independent Mutations in the Feline Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 Gene Determine the Long-Haired Phenotype in Domestic Cats

research The Long And The Short Of It: Evidence That FGF5 Is A Major Determinant Of Canine Hair-Itability

research Physical And Functional Interaction Between The Vitamin D Receptor And Hairless Corepressor, Two Proteins Required For Hair Cycling

research Atrichia With Papular Lesions Resulting From a Novel Homozygous Missense Mutation in the Hairless Gene

research A Novel Missense Mutation Affecting the Human Hairless Thyroid Receptor Interacting Domain 2 Causes Congenital Atrichia

research Novel Hairless Mutations in Two Kindreds with Autosomal Recessive Papular Atrichia

research The Biology of Hair Follicles

research The Role of the Hairless (Hr) Gene in the Regulation of Hair Follicle Catagen Transformation

research Molecular and Functional Aspects of the Hairless (Hr) Gene in Laboratory Rodents and Humans

research Towards Defining the Pathogenesis of the Hairless Phenotype

research Alopecia Universalis Associated With a Mutation in the Human Hairless Gene

research The Secret Life of the Hair Follicle

Related Community Posts Join

community Creatine's effect on Hair Loss and DHT

community Should I dedicate my university studies to solving hair loss?

community Does whey protein and creatine aggravate hair loss?

community Minoxidil is a 5ar inhibitor according to research

community Great news recently for people with hairloss!

community Testosterone in Reference Range Doesn't Cause Hair Loss

Similar Research

research Werewolf, There Wolf: Variants in Hairless Associated with Hypotrichia and Roaning in the Lykoi Cat Breed

research Werewolf, There Wolf: Variants in Hairless Associated with Hypotrichia and Roaning in the Lykoi Cat Breed

research Mouse Models for the Study of Human Hair Loss

research Molecular Evolution of HR, a Gene That Regulates the Postnatal Cycle of the Hair Follicle

research Biology of the Hair Follicle: The Basics