Short Anagen Hair Syndrome Is Caused by Mutations in the WNT10A Gene and Has a Genetic Overlap With Male Pattern Hair Loss

The study conducted in Germany and Switzerland involved 48 individuals diagnosed with Short Anagen Hair (SAH) syndrome, a rare hair disorder where hair does not grow longer than 10 cm. The researchers found that approximately 40% of the participants had one or two mutations in the WNT10A gene. This gene is already known to be associated with ectodermal dysplasia, a rare disease affecting skin, teeth, nails, and hair. The study revealed that individuals with one or two mutations in WNT10A develop SAH, typically have blonde hair, and a high frontal hairline with frontoparietal recession. Additionally, males with SAH-related WNT10A mutations have an increased risk of developing male pattern hair loss. This research highlights the role of WNT10A in hair growth and improves the potential for genetically confirming SAH diagnosis.