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New York, NY Jan. 26, 1998-- Researchers at Columbia University College
of Physicians & Surgeons have discovered the first human gene associated
with hair loss. The new gene, called hairless, is linked to a severe form
of inherited baldness and may be the trigger that turns on the entire
human hair cycle. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of
the hair cycle and, eventually, more effective treatments for various
forms of hair loss. The research, reported in the Jan. 30 issue of Science,
suggests that the gene initiates a cascade of events that stimulate hair
growth. Each step along this pathway may provide new clues for male pattern
baldness and other forms of hair loss, or alopecia. "The discovery of
this new gene gives us endless possibilities that may allow us to effectively
treat hair loss and possibly baldness within the next five years," says
principal investigator Angela M. Christiano, Ph.D., Herbert Irving Assistant
Professor of Dermatology at Columbia-Presbyterian. "It is now within our
reach to design ways to grow hair, remove hair, even dye hair genetically
and -- best yet -- this can all be accomplished topically, reducing possible
side effects." Dr. Christiano's team noticed striking similarities between
hairless mice that have been used in dermatology research for nearly 50
years and a rare genetic form of balding called alopecia universalis that
involves hair loss over the entire body. The researchers relied on genetic
information from families affected by the disorder in a village in Pakistan.
By comparing the known mouse gene with human chromosomes, the team identified
the first healthy trigger gene for hair growth and the mutation that causes
this type of alopecia. The several forms of alopecia represent a disruption
in the cycle of human hair growth. The most common type of hair loss,
known as androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, is believed
to affect some 80 percent of the population. Other forms, such as alopecia
areata, a common disease affecting 2.5 million people in the United States,
are thought to be related to autoimmune disfunction or stress. The molecular
basis of these forms of alopecia remains a mystery. "With the hairless
gene, the real basis of hair loss can begin to be understood," says Christiano.
"We can now look at the cause -- the genes themselves -- with the understanding
that hormones are important but not primary." Current treatments for hair
loss focus on the regulation of the hormones involved in hair loss. Treatment
for male pattern baldness traditionally has focused on hormonal regulation
of the hair follicle for regrowth of hair, yet none of these approaches
have provided any relief without significant side effects. But, says Christiano,
"Hair follicles, like all cells, have cycles. This finding is the first
indication that we may be able to regulate that cycle, triggering the
growth of new hair. It may be possible, for instance, to treat hair loss
through gene therapy administered topically via the hair follicles." The
market potential for products to treat alopecia is one of the largest
worldwide, encompassing pharmacological agents, over-the-counter medications,
personal care products, surgical procedures, hair replacement, and wigs.
Collectively, consumers spend an estimated $7 billion annually on treatments
and procedures to counteract hair loss in the United States alone. Other
investigators are Wasim Ahmad, Muhammad Faiyaz ul Haque, Valeria Brancolini,
Hui C. Tsou, Sayed ul Haque, HaMut Lam, Vincent M. Aita, Jason Owen, Michelle
deBlaquiere, Jorge Frank, Peter B. Cserhalmi-Friedman, Andrew Leask, John
A. McGrath, Monica Peacocke, Mahmud Ahmad, and Jurg Ott. The study was
supported in part by the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.
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