Where WNT the Hair?

An androgenetic alopecia risk variant that regulates WNT10A expression in hair follicles could have functional relevance for regulation of the hair cycle.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA; male pattern baldness) represents the most common form of human hair loss. Heritability is high, and genome-wide association studies have identified candidate genes including the androgen receptor/ectodysplasin A2 receptor locus (AR/EDA2R) and histone deacetylases 4 and 9.

Recently, investigators combined data from meta-analysis of other studies with new data derived from two independent samples to detect other associations. Twelve different genomic loci showed association with AGA, and 4 were significant after correction for number of loci studied. One locus, rs7349332, was particularly strongly associated (P=3.55 × 10^-15). This locus sits intronically with WNT10A (wingless-type MMTV integration site family, memb…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)