Scientists brush up on the bald truth about hair growth

Scientists studying mice may have discovered why certain people are hairier than others and why some go bald prematurely.

Researchers led by Denis Headon at the University of Manchester laid bare the molecular processes that determine which embryonic skin cells will form into hair follicles and determine the body's hair pattern, reported science portal EurekAlert.

During human development, skin cells have the ability to turn into other types of cells to form hair follicles, sweat glands, teeth and nails,' Headon said.

Which cells are transformed into hair follicles is determined by three proteins that are produced by our genes.

Our research has identified how one of these proteins working outside of the cell interacts at a molecular level to determine an individual's hair pattern as the embryonic skin spatially organises itself,' said the researcher.

The research, while not directly linked to male-pattern baldness, should be of interest to pharmaceutical companies working in this field as understanding the molecular processes at work during follicle development could provide clues as to why follicles shrink and hair growth diminishes in certain men as they get older,' Headon said.