Hair Loss DNA Test

Hair is a characteristic element of the appearance of every man and woman. The factors that determine the type and morphology of hair, such as colour, whether it is straight or broken, and even its quality, are genetic or acquired. It is the combination of these two factors that determines the final result, i.e. the final appearance of the hair. With the genetic test (DNA test) we can now identify and genotype most of the genetic loci that seem to be linked both to morphological characteristics of the hair and to potential pathologies such as alopecia.

Alopecia is a complex genetic and autoimmune disease with the main symptom being hair loss that affects individuals of both sexes regardless of age. As a genetic disease, it is highly hereditary, both in terms of its predisposition to the various types and the severity of its symptoms. Modern literature suggests that there are many and varied genes involved in its occurrence. In fact, a strong association has been found with more than 70 genes, and the total number of genes under consideration is significantly higher.

ALOPECIA

A very important test

With the application of all modern techniques and methods in the field of Molecular Biology, it is now possible to identify genes and identify the mutations involved not only in the occurrence of alopecia but also in the genetic determination of other morphological characteristics of the hair such as thickness, type, colour, greying and others.

In total, almost 500 genetic loci are examined from the analysis of which we can calculate a genetic penetrance score in terms of disease predisposition. The simultaneous genotyping of so many genetic loci is possible through microarray technology using genetic material from the subject.

How do genes affect hair growth

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.

One of the most pronounced morphological characteristics of hair is colour and especially its loss, the so-called greying. In general, graying in hair occurs with greater frequency over time. Even so, however, it is observed that young people of any gender display a significant number of grey hairs. In addition to any environmental factors that may contribute to this phenomenon, such as intense stressful events, there is also a genetic predisposition.

After mapping studies of genetic material, scientific teams abroad have come up with the gene that is responsible. The gene is IRF4 and specifically the rs mutation 12203592. This gene encodes an enzyme involved in the synthesis of melanin and therefore mutations affecting its expression lead to an early reduction in its synthesis and the appearance of the grey hair phenotype. Detection of this mutation is performed by real-time PCR from a small amount of biological material, which is collected painlessly in special cards for transfer and isolation of the genetic material.

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.

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.