We can now identify and genotype most of the genetic sites that appear to be associated with the morphological characteristics of the hair and its possible pathogenesis (alopecia).
Hair is an important factor of our appearance. Genetic and environmental factors appear to play decisive role in determining hair texture and thickness.
The combination of genetic and environmental factors determines the final result. Recent studies suggest that hair morphology is genetically predisposed, always being under the influence of environmental conditions.
Characteristics of human hair that seem to be under genetic control include hair greying and hair color, hair texture (wavy, curly or straight) and quality of hair:
The main form of scalp pathogenesis is Alopecia
Alopecia describes the disease, the main symptom of which is the loss of hair. It affects people of both sexes, regardless of age group. Overall, it is a complex genetic and autoimmune disease. Being a genetic disease, inheritance plays decisive role in the predisposition to different types and the severity of the symptoms.
Modern bibliography suggests that the genetic sites involved in its appearance are varied. More than 70 genes have displayed strong correlation, whereas the total number of the genes being under examination is significantly greater.
It is owing to Molecular Biology and its research that we can now identify the genotype and gene’s point mutations involved not only in male-pattern hair loss, but also in many other morphological characteristics of the hair, such as hair type, color, thickness, greying etc.
A total of almost 500 different point mutations are being tested and analyzed, providing significant information regarding the underlying genetic predisposition to hair loss. Simultaneous genotyping of so many genetic sites is possible through the technology of microarrays, using patients’ genetic material.
The Genes
Genetic Testing for Androgenetic Alopecia
Alopecia is a very complex, polygenic, autoimmune disease that affects both genders, regardless of their age. Modern gene-mapping techniques have showed 5 small gene regions as being associated with balding. These findings, when evaluated by an experienced doctor, can help an individual to determine a genetic pre-disposition to alopecia, even before thinning or receding hair becomes apparent.
In order to test one’s genetic-predisposition, genotyping of the 5 gene regions is performed by obtaining genetic material from the person concerned. Baldness DNA Test identifies the genetic variants associated with hair loss disorders, such as Androgenetic Alopecia or male-pattern baldness, and detects the chances of experiencing hair loss. It is a simple and virtually painless test, requiring only a drop of blood from the patient, preserved in special collection systems. Hair Loss DNA Test results are typically available 7 days after obtaining the sample.
Genetic testing for Greying
Hair color and grey hair in particular, is perhaps one of the most visible and potent morphological features of our hair. Greying is a natural age-associated feature, more commonly occurring in people as they age. Still, in some cases, a percentage of both male and female individuals experience premature hair greying, primarily due to environmental factors, stress and genetics.
Studies of gene-mapping by international scientific groups have come to the gene that is responsible. The gene responsible for turning hair grey is IRF4. More specifically, IRF4’s polymorphism rs12203592 is strongly associated with hair color and thus, decreased expression of IRF4 gene caused by rs12203592 mutations, lead to reduced melanin levels and a hair greying phenotype.
The detection of this variant is possible with Real-Time PCR through a simple and virtually painless test that requires only a drop of blood from the patient, preserved in special collection systems.
Genetic Testing for Beard Thickness
Beard is one of the most important male features. Dense beards are particularly popular in the male population in recent years. But why do some people have a stronger hair growth in the facial area than others?
Owing to this test, it is now possible to control the gene involved in facial hair growth, enabling us to predict facial hair growing tendency, without having to rely on the possibility of the appearance to improve over time. The gene responsible for the thickness of beard growth is EDAR. Particularly, rs365060 is a variant of the EDAR gene, strongly associated with hair thickness and growth. Moreover, it is well-known from numerous studies that this gene has contributed as little to the process of natural selection in human evolution as it is involved with one of the most intense morphological characteristics of men, which is intermittently linked to masculinity.
The detection of this variant is possible with Real-Time PCR through a simple and virtually painless test that requires only a drop of blood from the patient, preserved in special collection systems.
Genetic Testing for Eyebrow Thickness
Eyebrows are of significant importance for a man or a woman’s face as they greatly affect their looks. What is the factor that determines their thickness and their shape, though?
The gene associated with eyebrow shape and density is FOXL2 and its polymorphism, rs112458845. This gene encodes a protein that binds to the DNA and it is expressed among others in the facial muscle tissues. Additional research, but not yet proven, indicates a possible correlation with the eyelids’ density. The detection of this variant is possible with Real-Time PCR through a simple and virtually painless test that requires only a drop of blood from the patient, preserved in special collection systems.
Techniques and Methods in the field of Molecular Biology
A total of almost 500 different DNA regions are being tested and analyzed, providing significant information regarding the underlying genetic predisposition to hair loss.
