Humans are natural problem solvers, especially when the problem affects the solvers in question. At the heart of problem solving is the entrepreneur, the politician, and the scientist. Lay out a problem in front of each of them, and if the pain is great enough, each will find a way to work out the solution in their own way. Entrepreneurs invented spray-on hair. Politicians invented voters pulling out their own hair. But time shows us that no one can quite keep up with the scientist and his real-world contributions.
Hair One Minute, Gone the Next
Hair loss has been around, well, as long as hair has. And while we’ve been busy splitting the atom and learning about cosmic bodies, there has always been a subset of scientists dedicated to exploring the genetic makeup of human bodies. Getting to the bottom of aches, pains, causes and effects have been the unsung heroes of scientific research. If lab coats and microscopes are up your alley, read on to discover that they’ve been discovering.
Rank and File
It’s difficult to rank such accomplishments, so we won’t try to do that here, as each of these contributions helps pave the road for future breakthroughs. Nevertheless, here are eight significant genetic breakthroughs in human hair loss research over the past four decades:
- Discovery of Androgen Receptor (AR) Gene (1988): The identification of the Androgen Receptor gene paved the way for understanding the genetic basis of androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). This breakthrough highlighted the role of androgen hormones in hair loss.
- Association of Androgen Receptor Gene with Hair Loss (1998): Researchers discovered the specific genetic variants within the Androgen Receptor gene that are associated with androgenetic alopecia. This finding provided insights into the genetic predisposition to hair loss.
- Identification of Genes Involved in Hair Growth (1990s-2000s): Multiple genes involved in hair growth and hair follicle development were identified during this period. These genes include FGFR2, EDAR, HOXC13, DKK4, and WNT10A, among others. These discoveries expanded our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying hair loss.
- Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) on Hair Loss (2008-2010): GWAS studies conducted during this period uncovered additional genetic variants associated with androgenetic alopecia. These studies involved analyzing the entire genome of large populations to identify genetic markers linked to hair loss susceptibility.
- Discovery of the Sox21 Gene (2012): Researchers identified the Sox21 gene as a key regulator of hair follicle regeneration. Understanding the role of Sox21 provided insights into potential therapeutic targets for hair loss treatments.
- Hair Follicle Stem Cell Research (2013-2015): Scientists made significant progress in understanding the role of hair follicle stem cells in hair growth and regeneration. This research offered new avenues for developing novel treatments for hair loss.
- UK BIOBANK Study (2017): The United Kingdom study pinpointed 287 new genetic markers connected to male pattern baldness. A prior significant study had only found 8 such markers. They used the data to create a prediction algorithm with the aim of one day determining genetic future likelihood of significant hair loss in individuals.
- Identification of Stem Cell Signals for Hair Regeneration (2017): Scientists discovered specific signals produced by hair follicle stem cells that activate the regeneration of dormant hair follicles. This finding opened up possibilities for targeted therapies to promote hair regrowth.
And One To Grow On – Bonus
- CRISPR Gene Editing for Hair Loss (2018): Researchers demonstrated the use of CRISPR gene-editing technology to modify specific genes associated with hair loss. Although this research is still in its early stages, it holds potential for future therapeutic interventions.
These breakthroughs have significantly advanced our understanding of the genetic factors contributing to hair loss and have paved the way for potential treatments and interventions in the future. However, it’s important to note that many aspects of hair loss remain complex and multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental factors.
We here at Advanced Medical Hair Institute keep in touch with the latest research, developments, and skills training to ensure we are state-of-the-art and ready to advance as science leads the way.
