Hairlessness in mammals is due to complex genetic changes in both genes and regulatory regions.
Hairless mammals evolved quickly in both gene and non-gene areas related to skin and hair.
854 citations
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February 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Understanding hair follicle development can help treat hair loss, skin regeneration, and certain skin cancers.
112 citations
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August 2012 in “The American Journal of Human Genetics” Mutations in the RBPJ gene cause Adams-Oliver Syndrome.
97 citations
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March 2010 in “The American Journal of Human Genetics” A mutation in the KRT74 gene causes tightly curled hair.
75 citations
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July 2016 in “New phytologist” The protein RSL4 is crucial for making root hairs longer by controlling genes related to cell growth.
75 citations
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September 2007 in “Journal of Heredity” FGF5 gene mutations cause long hair in domestic cats.
66 citations
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December 1999 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” New mutations in the hairless gene may cause hair loss and affect bone development.
45 citations
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May 2024 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” Alopecia areata is caused by immune attacks on hair follicles, affecting hair growth and quality of life.
39 citations
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December 2012 in “The American Journal of Human Genetics” Mutations in the SNRPE gene cause hereditary hair loss.
37 citations
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August 2019 in “Frontiers in Microbiology” Staphylococcus epidermidis A/C strains are more antibiotic-resistant and infection-adapted, while B strains thrive in hair follicles.
37 citations
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September 1996 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Treat genetic hair loss early with FDA-approved medications and consider hair transplantation.
32 citations
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September 2013 in “Breast cancer research” A specific gene variant is linked to a higher risk of hair loss from chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.
30 citations
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October 2010 in “Biochemical and biophysical research communications” The Gsdma3 gene is essential for normal hair development in mice.
27 citations
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June 2020 in “Genes” Lykoi cats' unique sparse hair is linked to specific genetic variants in the Hairless gene.
23 citations
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November 2001 in “Archives of Dermatology” Genetic discoveries are key for understanding, diagnosing, and treating inherited hair and nail disorders.
22 citations
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March 2023 in “Bioengineering” Stem cell therapies may help improve symptoms and quality of life for people with epidermolysis bullosa.
20 citations
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February 2023 in “Biology” Innovative cosmetics could safely change hair color by targeting biological hair pigmentation processes.
20 citations
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March 2021 in “Cancers” Certain genetic variants increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
16 citations
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October 2023 in “Molecular cancer” New treatments like nanotechnology show promise in improving skin cancer therapy.
10 citations
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November 2008 in “Veterinary Dermatology” The mouse hairy ears mutation causes longer ear hair due to changes in gene expression.
9 citations
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July 2022 in “EMBO molecular medicine” Blocking certain immune signals can reduce skin damage from radiation therapy.
9 citations
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October 2017 in “Translational pediatrics” Pediatric endocrinologists should provide early fertility counseling and preservation options to young patients at risk of infertility.
9 citations
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December 2012 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology” Two sisters had rare, widespread cysts and complete hair loss, suggesting a genetic link.
6 citations
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November 2022 in “Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology” Genetic markers can help predict ear shapes for forensic use.
5 citations
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June 2023 in “BMC genomics” A specific gene mutation causes long hair in Angora rabbits.
5 citations
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March 2022 in “Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” The model accurately predicts skin conditions in Korean women using genetic information, aiding personalized skincare.
2 citations
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May 2023 in “Veterinary Pathology” Understanding genetic variations in mice is crucial for studying skin, hair, or nail abnormalities.
1 citations
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August 2025 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Genetic studies on hair traits can improve understanding of health and disease.
1 citations
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July 2025 in “Stem Cell Research & Therapy” Stem cell technology may improve hair loss treatments by providing more effective and personalized options.