The genetics of alopecia areata

Authors: Aita, Vincent M.; Christiano, Angela M.

Source: Dermatologic Therapy, Volume 14, Number 4, December 2001 , pp. 329-339(11)

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Abstract:

Alopecia areata (AA) is one of the most common forms of hair loss observed in humans. While the genetic basis for AA remains unknown, epidemiologic studies of heritability indicate the presence of a genetic component. AA can be modeled as a complex genetic disorder that results from the aggregate contribution of an unknown number of genes interacting with each other and the environment. In individuals who present with AA, it is expected that a varied combination of alleles of different genes confer a predisposition to disease development, which in turn is influenced by environmental and possibly autoimmunologic factors. This review summarizes the current body of knowledge involving the genetics of AA and gives a brief theoretical overview of genetic approaches that provides a framework for understanding future genetic mapping studies of AA.

Keywords: alopecia areata; complex traits; gene mapping; linkage analysis; microarrays

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.2001.01041.x

Publication date: 2001-12-01