Woolly Antics Between the Sheaths

The document discusses the cultural and psychological importance of hair, noting the complexity of hair structure and the genetic factors that determine hair form and texture. It references a study by Shimomura et al. that sheds light on the role of lipase H in hair texture and form, through genetic analysis of Pakistani families with autosomal recessive hypotrichosis (ARWH), which found mutations in the LIPH gene. These findings, along with the observation of overlapping phenotypes with P2RY5 mutations, suggest that lipid signaling pathways are significant in hair fiber formation and growth. The commentary calls for more research on the inner root sheath of hair follicles and the potential role of melanocytes in ARWH. It concludes by highlighting the importance of lipase H in the function of the hair follicle sheath and the sculpting of hair fibers.