A recent investigation undertaken by the National Institute of Genetics in Tokyo has identified a gene associated with hair loss (1). The findings of this study indicate that by blocking the activity of the Sox21 gene in mice, cyclic alopecia (or re-occurring hair loss) can be induced.
Previously linked to the formation of nerve cells, the Sox21 gene encodes for proteins which are capable of binding to DNA and are believed to assist in controlling the expression of specific genes. Kiso and co-researchers (2009) genetically engineered mice which were Sox21 gene deficient, and found that the hair of the mice fell out soon after birth, resulting in a completely hairless phenotype by the time the mice were 25 days old. Following this baldness, the mice hair took extended periods of time to grow back, only to fall out again.
When examining the expression of genes in the skin cells of the mice lacking Sox21 compared to normal mice, 5 genes were more active and 114 were less active. The less active genes are those which produce structural proteins and proteins which allow cells to adhere to one another. Examples of such cells are the keratin proteins, which are formed in hair cuticle cells. From this information, it can therefore be concluded, that a lack of the Sox21 gene causes a lower expression of the interlocking protein structures which anchor the hair shaft in the hair follicle, resulting in reoccurring hair loss.
It is thought that this gene functions in a similar way in humans as it does in the mice model. If, with further research, this suggestion remains true then investigation into the expression of Sox21 may lead to novel strategies for treating patients with hair loss disorders. The gene may also prove to be a useful indicator for people who are predisposed to hair loss. It is important however, that, as this gene is linked to the development of nerve cells, precautions are taken when influencing its expression in human.
Reference:
(1) Kiso, M, Tanaka, S, Saba, R, Matsuda, S, Shimizu, A, Ohyama, M, Okano, H, Shiroishi, T, Okano, H & Saga, Y, 2009, ‘The disruption of Sox21-mediated hair shaft cuticle differentiation causes cyclic alopecia in mice’, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Available: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2009/05/25/0808324106.abstract
Original Article:
NHS Choices, 2009, Scientist ‘find hair loss gene’, 27 May, Accessed: 1/06/09 Available: http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/05May/Pages/HairLossGeneBaldnessCure.aspx
Emma Davis (42065885)
No comments:
Post a Comment