Scientists investigating an extreme form of hereditary hair loss called alopecia universalis (AU) have found it is linked to a mutated gene.

Although AU is a rare disorder which causes a complete loss of scalp and body hair, finding the gene is expected to provide clues to understanding more common forms of baldness.

Closer investigation of the gene could even yield a new approach to treating male pattern baldness, which affects up to 80% of men.

"The discovery means new molecular approaches might be developed to increase or reduce hair," according to Dr John McGrath from St John's Institute of Dermatology in London, who took part in the study.

Dr McGrath on BBC Radio 4's Today programme (2' 29")

"There may be options to increase hair growth, or in the case of women to help the removal of unwanted hair, from the legs for instance."

Scientists warn that it could be three to five years before there are any new products on the market, however.

Originally the scientists had only a rough idea where the gene was situated, but a surprise outcome from completely separate research with mice pointed them in the right direction.

A virus inserted into a mouse unexpectedly caused the animal to lose all its hair. The virus had affected a gene that clearly controlled hair growth. Using it as a signpost, the scientists were able to isolate the human hairless gene.

The new research, published in the journal Science, was conducted by an international group of scientists and involved studying a large Pakistani family affected by AU.

People with the condition are born without eyebrows, eyelashes or body hair, and once the hair on their heads is shaved it does not regrow.
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