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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Autosomal Recessive Transmission of a Rare KRT74 Variant Causes Hair and Nail Ectodermal Dysplasia: Allelism with Dominant Woolly Hair/Hypotrichosis

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A rare gene variant causes hair and nail issues in a family.

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21 citations , December 2013 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

No link found between new male baldness genes and female hair loss.

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Six new hair loss factors in men not linked to female hair loss.

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Hair loss risk is influenced by multiple genes.

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Mutations in the HOXC13 gene cause hair and nail development issues.

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Six new genetic regions linked to early hair loss also connect to Parkinson's disease and prostate cancer, possibly leading to new treatments.

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A specific gene mutation causes woolly hair and hair loss.

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

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Mutations in the KRT85 gene cause hair and nail problems.

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p2y5, now called LPA6, is a receptor important for human hair growth.

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

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Mutations in the P2RY5 gene cause autosomal recessive woolly hair.

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

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Mutations in the DSG4 gene cause specific hair and scalp issues.

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A mutation in the KRTHB5 gene causes hair and nail issues.

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A keratin hHb6 mutation causes a hair disorder with varying severity, influenced by other factors.

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Common baldness is likely inherited through multiple genes, not just one.

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