Posted on March 27, 2010.
Study finds receptor gene responsible for hair loss Hair loss is natural. According to dermatologists, a healthy individual can lose a hundred strands of hair in one day. However, hair loss becomes a serious condition when a person loses more than the usual amount of hair he throws. In addition, hair loss also becomes a problem if there is no observable hair growth or hair loss occurs in the form of patches. When a problem occurs the hair loss, immediate treatment can be vital. Regarding the ongoing discovery and development of treatments for hair loss these days, a breakthrough was made by an international team of researchers.
Guilty for hypotrichosis simplex
Thanks to a recent study, researchers were able to discover a gene that is responsible for the development of hypotrichosis simplex. It is a state of hair loss is hereditary. When suffering from this condition, the patient will experience the onset of baldness at an early age - in particular, even before he reaches adolescence. As the patient ages, the worsening of hair loss condition. Finally, the person with the disease can become bald and even losing his hair.
Dr. Regina Betz, the project manager of the Bonn Institute of Human Genetics note that their study is important primarily because it explores the mechanisms of hair growth. She said that despite the fact that the presence of hypotrichosis simplex is not very common, the findings of the study to promote a comprehensive understanding of the various factors that could contribute to the development of various forms of hair loss in general.
The study focused on the analysis of DNA samples from a family of Saudi Arabia, where four members of the family were diagnosed with hypotrichosis simplex. Genetic material from the family as much as the team research project with the key to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of hair growth and various factors influencing the onset of hair loss conditions.
Based on the results of the study, hypotrichosis simplex is a genetic disorder that is promoted by an inadequate growth of receptors that are vital to the process of natural growth of hair. When a person has this condition, the structures of receptors on the surface of the hair follicles are not well trained. The study notes that "when messengers from outside bind to these receptors (the hair follicles), they trigger a chain reaction inside the cell." These receptors are necessary for hair follicle to function normally.
Discovering new drugs for hair loss
Dr. Markus Na¶then, chairman of Medical Genetics at the University of Bonn Life & Brain Centre, explains further the importance of the recent study. He notes that "the defective receptor structure falls into the category of so-called G-protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are the usual "impact points" for various forms of medication and treatments for hair loss. In addition, the study also showed that there is a messenger "endogenous" to be responsible for liaison the hair follicle with the receiver.
According to Dr. Ivar von Ka¼gelgen Bonn Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, the study has opened new opportunities for various research aimed at developing "new active agents." He also noted that dermatologists and Scientists can now focus specifically on the monitoring of certain substances that can be used in various hair loss treatments. These new drugs can then be used to treat not just hypotrichosis simplex, but other types of loss conditions and hair.
