The results reveal that more than one gene is involved in the development of male hair-loss. These results also throw interesting light on the inheritance of baldness in that hitherto the only known risk gene for the androgen receptor lay on the X-chromosome, and was thus inherited from the mother – which accounts for the fact that in the case of hair-loss men often take after their maternal grandfathers. However, the newly discovered gene lies on chromosome 20, and can be inherited from both the mother and the father. “This helps to provide an explanation for the similarity between father and son”, declares Professor Nöthen.
The research conducted by Professor Nöthen and Dr. Kruse is being supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Prof. Nöthen occupies the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Chair for Genetic Medicine. The Life & Brain Zentrum is a new research centre of the University Clinic in Bonn, which is dedicated to practically orientated research into the causes of disease.