Bonn: Hair loss gene could pave the way to treatments for baldness

Research lead

An international research team headed by scientists at the University of Bonn, Germany, has identified a gene that is responsible for a rare hereditary form of hair loss known as Hypotrichosis simplex. They now hope the finding will lead to new therapies for various forms of hair loss.

“Although Hypotrichosis simplex is very uncommon, it may prove critical in our search for an understanding of the mechanisms of hair growth,” says project leader Regina Betz from Bonn’s Institute of Human Genetics. The disease is inherited and affects both men and women. Sufferers generally begin to go bald during childhood. The process of hair loss (alopecia) then advances with age.

The gene identified causes a defect in a certain G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) on the surface of hair follicle cells. Markus Nöthen, Chair of Genetic Medicine at Bonn University’s Life & Brain Centre, notes that GPCRs make good drug targets.

The researchers have also identified an endogenous cell signalling protein that binds to the receptor in the hair follicle, opening up a further avenue for drug discovery.