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 believ
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Contact: Carolyn Conway
cc328@columbia.edu
212-305-3900
Columbia University Medical Center
29-Jan-1998