New hair texture, density gene ID'd

U.S. geneticists have identified a gene involved in determining human hair texture and density that might lead to treatments for abnormal hair growth.

The Columbia University Medical Center genetic analysis demonstrated that mutations in a gene known as P2RY5 cause hereditary woolly hair -- hair that is coarse, dry, tightly curled and sparse.

Our findings indicate that mutations in the P2RY5 gene cause hereditary woolly hair, said Professor Angela Christiano. This is significant as it represents the discovery of the first new gene whose primary function seems to be the determination of hair texture in humans. This genetic finding may inform the development of new treatments for excessive or unwanted hair, or, potentially, hair growth.

The research, available in the online edition of the journal Nature Genetics, will appear in the journal's March print issue.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International