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Article: Scientists comb over new genetic clues to baldness
- Article from:
- Belfast Telegraph
- Article date:
- October 13, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2008 Belfast Telegraph. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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A NEW genetic link to baldness has been discovered which may
explain why many men inherit hair loss from their fathers.
Two altered regions of DNA on one of the chromosomes that house
the genes contribute to a more than sevenfold increased risk of male
pattern baldness.
The nature of the variants is still a mystery but one of them may
influence male hormone activity through a gene.
Previously the only genetic association with male baldness known
was a variant on the female X chromosome.
The new discovery could help researchers looking for ways to
treat inherited male hair loss.
Two separate international teams led by Dr Tim Spector, of King's
College, London and Dr Axel Hillmer, from the ...