Genetic cause for form of baldness discovered

The genetic cause for a specific form of baldness, Maria Unna hereditary hypotrichosis, has been discovered by Chinese researchers. Marina Unna hereditary hypotrichosis, also known as MUHH, causes progressive baldness starting at puberty.

The researchers, located at Peking Union Medical College in Beijing, China, pinpointed the gene U2HR as the cause of the baldness. The gene controls a peptide which controls a protein responsible for hair follicle regeneration.

Their findings, reported in this article in French newspaper, the Straits Times, will help researchers find drug targets to develop treatments for the disease.