Now, after six years of study, researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a gene that causes a rare hereditary form of hair loss – Hypotrichosis simplex – throwing open the possibility of regenerating hair. These researchers are the first to identify a receptor that plays a role in hair growth. At fault is a genetic defect that prevents certain receptors on the surface of hair follicle cells from being correctly formed. The researchers have also been able to find an endogenous messenger that binds in the hair follicle to the receptor, which opens up opportunities for developing new active agents. DNA samples from the parents and from nine of their 10 children – including four sufferers – were analysed, providing the researchers the key to understanding some of the fundamental mechanisms of hair growth and loss. read more

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