Alopecia, a dermatological disorder characterised by the partial or complete loss of hair, has been a subject of extensive research and a cause of significant emotional misery for individuals experiencing it. Alopecia is influenced by multiple causes, and recent advancements in genetic research have provided valuable insights into the complex network of genes involved in this occurrence. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the field of genetics, specifically focusing on the 287 genes that cause alopecia.
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What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is a dermatological condition characterised by the loss of hair on various parts of the body, including the scalp and facial regions. Alopecia manifests in various forms, with the most prevalent being androgenetic alopecia (AGA), alopecia areata (AA) and scarring alopecia. Alopecia areata (AGA) is the predominant kind of hair loss, primarily influenced by a combination of genetic and hormonal elements. The condition is marked by a progressive reduction in hair density on the scalp and is prevalent among individuals of both genders.
Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder, is characterised by the loss of hair on the scalp and various other regions of the body. The characteristic manifestation of this illness is the sudden appearance of circular bald patches. Scarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, is a group of exceedingly uncommon conditions characterised by the obliteration of hair follicles and subsequent replacement with scar tissue. The condition of alopecia has been observed to be accompanied with the presence of several known factors.
Types of Alopecia and Associated Genes
Alopecia is not a single disease, but a group of diseases, each with its own unique genetic profile. The most common type, androgenetic alopecia, is strongly linked to genetics. Several genes make people more likely to lose their hair. The androgen receptor gene (AR) is very important in this case because it affects how sensitive hair cells are to androgens, which are hormones that are linked to hair loss.
Alopecia areata is an inflammatory disease that causes bald spots on the scalp. It is caused by a different set of genes. Some changes in immune system genes, like the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), have been found to cause an attack on hair cells. To make targeted treatments that change the immune reaction, it is important to understand these genetic markers.
Scarring alopecia is a more serious form of alopecia in which scar tissue grows in place of hair follicles. It is also linked to genes. Collagen genes and genes that control inflammation are linked to the fibrotic process that causes hair loss that can’t be fixed.
Causes of Hair Loss that can be attributed to Genetics
Let’s start with the big one, which is that some people lose their hair because of genetics. Androgenetic alopecia, commonly called male pattern baldness, is the most prevalent kind of hair hair loss. Chances of experiencing this kind of hair loss are mostly predetermined by your genetic makeup. However, before placing the blame on Ma, keep in mind that these traits could have been inherited from either your father or your mother.
A new study found that male pattern baldness may be traced back to 287 different regions of the human genetics. Therefore, it is necessary to examine your family genealogy to identify whether or not you have a history of genetic hair loss.
Hair loss can be transitory due to a number of circumstances such as stress, illness, and delivery. An infection with the fungus that causes ringworm can cause hair loss. Some drugs, including birth control pills, beta-adrenergic blockers, blood thinners, and chemotherapy, can cause temporary hair loss.
Other causes of temporary baldness include X-rays, burns, and other injuries. Unless a scar forms, hair growth should return to normal once the damaged area has healed. If this happens, no new hair will ever develop.
Different Genes That Cause Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia, also referred to as male pattern baldness, is a disorder that has been associated with the presence of numerous genes that have been identified as contributing to the onset of this ailment. The Androgen Receptor (AR) gene is well recognised as the primary gene associated with male pattern baldness.
The gene in question is accountable for encoding the androgen receptor protein, which plays a pivotal role in regulating the body’s response to androgens, such as testosterone, during sexual activity. Hair loss is the ultimate consequence of a malfunctioning androgen receptor protein due to a mutation in the AR gene. According to research findings, it has been established that variations in the AR gene are accountable for a substantial proportion, ranging from 80% to 90%, of instances of male pattern baldness.
The SRD5A2
gene has been proposed as a potential genetic factor linked to male pattern baldness. The gene encodes the enzyme referred to as 5-alpha reductase type 2. The process of converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is attributed to this entity. Hair loss is a consequence of the reduction in size of hair follicles, a process known as miniaturisation. This phenomenon is mostly attributed to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent form of testosterone belonging to the androgen group.
The CYP17A1
gene encodes a cytochrome P450 enzyme that plays a significant role in the manufacture of testosterone and oestrogen. Additionally, this gene has been associated with the occurrence of male pattern baldness. This gene is accountable for the synthesis of the aforementioned entity. The presence of genetic variations in this particular gene has the capacity to exert an influence on the concentrations of these hormones inside the human body, hence potentially playing a role in the occurrence of hair loss.
Subsequent investigations have revealed that male pattern baldness is associated with several supplementary genes, namely the HFE gene, the TGFB1 gene, and the LGR5 gene.
It is crucial to consider that male pattern baldness is a multifaceted condition influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Moreover, the specific genetic factors underlying the illness may vary among individuals.
The study undertaken on the subject has found a multitude of genes that play a role in the development of male pattern baldness. While the AR gene is widely recognised as being associated with the sickness, there are several other genes, such as SRD5A2, CYP17A1, HFE, TGFB1, and LGR5, which also contribute to the development of this hereditary ailment.
Individuals may exhibit variations in the specific genetic composition and polymorphisms of genes that contribute to the occurrence of male pattern baldness. Due to the reliance on physical examination and medical history for diagnosis, it is important to emphasise that genetic testing is not commonly recommended as a diagnostic modality for male pattern baldness.
This is due to the fact that the illness is commonly diagnosed. In specific situations, genetic testing can provide valuable assistance. For example, it can be employed to confirm a diagnosis in cases of atypical or premature male pattern baldness, or it can be applied to identify individuals who may be at an elevated risk of acquiring the disorder.
Genetic Testing and Personalized Medicine
The identification of these 287 genes is a major step forward in developing individualised treatments for alopecia. Individuals can now learn their genetic susceptibility to hair loss through testing, allowing for early intervention and individualised treatment strategies.
Medication that blocks the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair follicle miniaturisation, is one example of a treatment that targets the androgen pathway that may be helpful for people at high risk for androgenetic alopecia.
When it comes to alopecia areata, new medicines aiming at modifying immune responses can be developed once the role of the immune system is understood. There may be hope for those struggling with autoimmune hair loss thanks to immunomodulatory medicines and gene treatments.
Scientific Study on 287 Genes that Causes Alopecia
While there have been certain genes identified in relation to male pattern baldness, the exact aetiology of hair loss in males remains uncertain. The University of Edinburgh undertook a comprehensive genome-wide association research, which stands as the most thorough study of its kind to date. The study involved the analysis of data obtained from a cohort of 52,000 male volunteers who were part of the UK Biobank effort.
The present study has successfully discovered a total of 287 genomic areas that exhibit potential associations with the occurrence of hair loss. Based on the available data, the research team created a predictive model that assesses the likelihood of experiencing hair loss by taking into account many genetic loci.
The research revealed a multitude of novel genetic indicators, particularly those derived from the maternally inherited X chromosome. Although the research primarily examines hair loss patterns rather than the age at which it begins, it indicates that a more pronounced genetic influence may be observed when considering data on early-onset hair loss.
While the ability to accurately forecast an individual’s pattern of hair loss still remains elusive, the findings presented in this study signify a notable advancement in this field. Although the study did not find novel treatment targets, it contributes to our understanding of the genetic factors behind hair loss, hence providing opportunities for future discoveries and remedies.
Conclusion
The discovery of the 287 genes linked to alopecia represents a significant advancement in the field, while certain obstacles continue to exist. Continued investigation is necessary to comprehend the complex interaction between these genes and their involvement in various forms of alopecia.
In addition, it is important to approach genetic testing with careful consideration of ethical jimplications, including issues related to privacy and the possibility of genetic prejudice. Ensuring a harmonious coexistence between the progression of scientific knowledge and the preservation of persons’ rights is of paramount importance as we embark into this emerging epoch of genetic comprehension.