http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4283302.stm
Key gene 'may reverse hair loss'

Last Updated: Tuesday, 27 September 2005, 09:22 GMT 10:22 UK

Bald mice re-grew fur once the gene was manipulated

Scientists believe manipulating genes within hair cells can reverse baldness.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpa...754C0A960958260
A Gene for Hair Growth
REUTERS Published: July 30, 1996

An international research team has isolated a gene involved with hair growth, which may provide clues to the treatment of baldness.

The researchers isolated a gene that when faulty causes an inherited disorder called anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, which afflicts about 125,000 Americans, causing them to have little or no hair, missing teeth and poorly developed or missing sweat glands.

When the gene is normal, the researchers said, it apparently affects the hair follicles of men. The findings are being reported in the August issue of the journal Nature Genetics.

"The researchers don't know what it's doing yet, but there is a possibility that its activity is needed to keep hair," said Linda Sage, a spokeswoman for the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where much of the research was done.

"The gene clearly operates at an early stage of embryological development of the skin," Dr. David Schlessinger, director of Washington University's Center for Genetics in Medicine, said. He led one of the research groups in the study.

"We also speculate that it may be necessary throughout life for the continuing health of these skin organelles. So, naturally, we hope it holds the secret to hair growth," Dr. Schlessinger said.

The disorder, which does not affect women, is caused by a defective gene in the X chromosome.