Molecular Genetics of Alopecias

January 2015 in “ Current problems in dermatology ”

Yuval Ramot, Abraham Zlotogorski

TLDR Scientists have found specific genes linked to different hair loss conditions, which could lead to new treatments.

The 2015 document summarizes the progress in understanding the genetic basis of various alopecias, including monogenic and polygenic disorders. It identifies specific gene mutations responsible for hair diseases, such as mutations in LPAR6, LIPH, keratin genes, desmosomal components, and the HR gene, which affect hair growth, structure, and integrity. The paper also discusses the genetic factors in androgenetic alopecia (AGA), with 12 susceptibility loci identified, and alopecia areata (AA), with several loci identified through GWAS studies. It emphasizes the role of WNT signaling and the immune system in these conditions. The findings suggest that a deeper understanding of the molecular pathways can lead to new treatments for hair disorders.

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Research cited in this study

24 / 24 results

research Investigation of Four Novel Male Androgenetic Alopecia Susceptibility Loci: No Association with Female Pattern Hair Loss

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15 citations, June 2012 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

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87 citations, May 2012 in “PLOS Genetics”

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41 citations, November 2011 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

Some hair loss disorders are caused by genetic mutations affecting hair growth.

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717 citations, June 2010 in “Nature”

Alopecia areata involves both innate and adaptive immunity, with specific genes linked to the disease.

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28 citations, April 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Genetic marker rs12558842 strongly linked to male hair loss.

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199 citations, April 2010 in “Nature”

A gene called APCDD1, which controls hair growth, is found to be faulty in a type of hair loss called hereditary hypotrichosis simplex.

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42 citations, October 2009 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Mutations in the KRT85 gene cause hair and nail problems.

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54 citations, March 2009 in “BioEssays”

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Loss-Of-Function Mutations of an Inhibitory Upstream ORF in the Human Hairless Transcript Cause Marie Unna Hereditary Hypotrichosis

research Loss-Of-Function Mutations of an Inhibitory Upstream ORF in the Human Hairless Transcript Cause Marie Unna Hereditary Hypotrichosis

181 citations, January 2009 in “Nature Genetics”

Certain mutations in a hair growth-related gene cause a type of genetic hair loss.

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111 citations, October 2008 in “Nature Genetics”

Researchers found a new gene area linked to male-pattern baldness, which, along with another gene, significantly increases the risk of hair loss in men.

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210 citations, February 2008 in “Nature genetics”

Mutations in the P2RY5 gene cause autosomal recessive woolly hair.

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42 citations, July 2007 in “Journal of Biological Chemistry”

Most Hairless gene mutations reduce its ability to work with the Vitamin D Receptor, which might explain a certain type of hair loss.

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143 citations, January 2007 in “The American Journal of Human Genetics”

Certain genes on chromosomes 6, 10, 16, and 18 may increase the risk of alopecia areata.

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74 citations, September 2006 in “Cell Cycle”

The HR protein's role as a repressor is essential for controlling hair growth.

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74 citations, January 2006 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Mutations in the DSG4 gene can cause a rare hair disorder similar to monilethrix.

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30 citations, August 2005 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

A specific gene mutation causes hair loss and potential eye issues, even if vision seems normal.

Phosphatidic Acid Has Potential to Promote Hair Growth In Vitro and In Vivo, and Activates Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Kinase in Hair Epithelial Cells

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46 citations, August 2003 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Phosphatidic acid may help hair grow by affecting cell growth pathways.

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Alopecia areata mainly affects young people and has significant psychological impacts, especially in males.

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The research shows that a gene called Wnt3 affects hair growth and structure, causing short hair and balding when overactive.

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