Investigating the Origins of Nanostructural Variations in Differential Ethnic Hair Types Using X-Ray Scattering Techniques

May 2013 in “ International Journal of Cosmetic Science ”

Matthew Wade, I. Tucker, Patrick N. Cunningham, Richard Skinner, Fraser I. Bell, T. Lyons, Kate Patten, Lee Gonzalez, Tim J. Wess

keratin lipid components keratin-associated proteins hair morphology nanostructural variations

Studysummary This study found that while ethnic hair types share a common fibrous keratin structure, variations in keratin-associated proteins and lipids may lead to different macroscopic hair characteristics.

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Research cited in this study

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research Human Hair Keratin-Associated Proteins

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research Size Polymorphisms in the Human Ultrahigh Sulfur Hair Keratin-Associated Protein 4, KAP4, Gene Family

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research Human KAP Genes: Only Half of It? Extensive Size Polymorphisms in Hair Keratin-Associated Protein Genes

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This article reviews extensive genetic polymorphisms in the keratin-associated proteins of human hair, indicating complexity but reporting no new clinical results and calls for further research on their potential impact on hair structure.

research The Intermediate Filament Architecture as Determined by X-Ray Diffraction Modeling of Hard Alpha-Keratin

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research Lead-Revealed Lipid Organization In Human Hair

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research Polymorphisms in the Human High Sulfur Hair Keratin-Associated Protein 1, KAP1, Gene Family

48 citations , November 2002 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry”

In this study, researchers found that size polymorphisms in certain hKAP1 genes are linked to the hKAP1.1B and hKAP1.3 genes, arising from intragenic deletions and duplications in Japanese and Caucasian populations.

research Organization of Microfibrils in Keratin Fibers Studied by X-Ray Scattering

63 citations , December 1998 in “Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Protein Structure and Molecular Enzymology”

The study improved understanding of keratin fiber structure by showing consistent microfibril diameter but varying distances and electron density profiles.