A gene linked to greying hair has been identified by an international team led by University College London. The study has proven a genetic, rather than purely environmental, cause behind grey hair.
The study, published in Nature Communications, analysed 6,000 living in Latin America to identify genes associated with hair colour, greying, density and texture (e.g. curly or straight). Dr Kaustubh Adhikari, Research Associate at UCL Cell & Developmental Biology and lead author, said: “We already know several genes involved in balding and hair colour but this is the first time a gene for greying hair has been identified in humans, as well as other genes influencing hair shape and density.”
The findings could help develop DNA-based technologies. Professor Andres Ruiz-Linares, Honorary Professor at UCL Biosciences, explained: “We have found the first genetic association to hair greying, which could provide a good model to understand aspects of the biology of human ageing. Understanding the mechanism of the IRF5 greying association could also be relevant for developing ways to delay hair greying.”
The gene identified – IRF4 – was previously known to play a significant role in determining hair colour but it has now been linked to greying hair as well. The gene helps determine the production and storage of melanin, the absence of which causes grey hair.
The team also identified three other genes linked with other hair traits. EDAR was linked to beard thickness and hair shape; FOXL2 is associated with eyebrow thickness and PAX3 was connected with the prevalence of “monobrow”.
Most previous studies into this topic have surveyed people in Europe, so this new research could help Latin American populations. The team collected and analysed DNA samples from 6,530 volunteers in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Peru. The group had mixed heritage including European, Native American and African ancestry.
