Male-pattern hair loss: Contribution of genetic and environmental factors to disease pathogenesis

Male-pattern hair loss (MPHL) is a highly heritable trait and the most common form of hair loss among men. Despite recent advances, the underlying genetic basis and potential environmental risk factors have not been fully elucidated. Specifically, genetic analyses on MPHL have focused on common genetic variation, while rare variation has gone under-analysed, and previous studies on environmental risk factors (such as smoking, alcohol consumption and body mass index) have been inconclusive. This project aims at the systematic identification of contributing rare genetic risk factors and environmental risk factors. The findings of this research will aid in understanding of the underlying pathobiology of MPHL. An improved understanding of the biological causes of MPHL may enable the identification of novel drug targets, which is desirable as current MPHL treatments are not curative and can induce severe side effects. The investigation of environmental and lifestyle risk factors may further aid in informing risk prevention.