Genes in male-pattern baldness identified

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Genes in male-pattern baldness identified

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Fri Jun 10, 4:37 PM ET

 

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Researchers in Germany have found that

variations in a gene related to male sex hormones may be at the root of

male-pattern baldness, the most common form of hair loss. The culprit is the

androgen receptor gene, and it dwells on the X chromosome, which all men

inherit from their mothers.

 

 

Experts have long believed that hair loss in inherited. But the new

research, to be published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, is the

first to identify a specific gene that may be involved, according to the

study authors.

 

Other, yet-unidentified genes are likely involved in male-pattern baldness,

possibly including ones handed down by fathers. But the new findings

highlight the importance of mom's side of the family when it comes to a

man's hairline, according to the study authors, led by Dr. Markus M. Nothen

of the University of Bonn.

 

A young man concerned about the future of his hair may do better to look

toward his maternal grandfather's hair history rather than his father's,

according to the researchers.

 

Their study included 95 German families in which at least two brothers had

begun losing their hair before the age of 40. Using blood samples from these

men and other family members without early hair loss, the researchers found

that a particular variant in the androgen receptor gene occurred much more

frequently among men with early male-pattern baldness compared with men who

retained a full head of hair past the age of 60.

 

The androgen receptor gene helps govern the workings of male sex hormones

(androgens), such as testosterone. Though these hormones promote the growth

of body and facial hair, on the scalp excess androgens may cause hair loss.

 

It's possible, according to Nothen and his colleagues, that the suspect gene

variant creates a greater number of androgen receptors in the scalp -- and

therefore stronger androgen activity.

 

The researchers say they are continuing to hunt down the other genes

involved in early-onset male-pattern baldness. Scientists hope that getting

at the genetic roots of hair loss will eventually spawn better baldness

treatments or a cure.

 

SOURCE: American Journal of Human Genetics, July 2005.

 

 

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