Special protein cause of hair loss

US researchers decipher cause of hair loss

22.03.2012

A special protein plays an essential role in the development of hair loss. US researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have investigated, „which genes are turned on when men go bald“ get and are on the protein „Prostaglandin D2 synthase“ which causes inhibition of hair growth in hair follicles.

„In essence, we have shown that the prostaglandin protein is in the bald scalp of men“ Increased and thus hair growth is inhibited, reports Prof. George Cotsarelis, from the University Department of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania in the journal „Science Translational Medicine“. According to the dermatologist, this could also be the key to a future treatment for hair loss. Several drugs, some of which are currently in clinical trials, are already influencing the now identified signaling pathway, potentially allowing successful treatment of hair loss in just a few years, explained Prof. Cotsarelis.

Prostaglandin D2 synthase responsible for hair loss
From earlier studies it was already known that testosterone plays an essential role in the development of male pattern hair loss - the so-called „androgenetic alopecia“ (AGA) - plays. However, the mechanisms for the decreased hair growth in this disease remained unclear, so the reasoning of the US scientists to the current investigations. In their experiments, the researchers were able to show that the protein „Prostaglandin D2 synthase“ In the areas of bald scalp, compared with those hairy scalp, significantly increased occurs. In specially bred mice, the high concentration of protein even resulted in complete hair loss, Cotsarelis and colleagues write. Voluntary study participants also stopped hair growth abruptly after a hair transplant „Prostaglandin D2 synthase“ was added artificially, Prof. Cotsarelis continues.

Avoid hair loss by blocking receptors?
According to the US researchers, the inhibition of hair growth is triggered as soon as the protein docks to a receptor on the cells of the hair follicles. An effective method of combating hair loss could therefore be a blockage of the receptors. Therefore, further research should now look for drugs, „that affect this receptor“, It should also be checked whether blockage of the receptor not only prevents balding, but may even reverse it, explained Prof. Cotsarelis. In principle, the development of a cream or ointment is conceivable, which is applied to the scalp to prevent hair loss or even sprout new hair. Until all open questions are resolved, „but will be some time“ This is the opinion of the dermatologist at the University of Pennsylvania. (Fp)

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Picture: Duxschulz