Hair Loss and Alopecia Areata Research
Is Research Close to Finding Better Treatments or a Cure?
Although a cure is not imminent, researchers are making headway toward a better understanding of the disease. This increased understanding will likely lead the way to better treatments for alopecia areata and eventually a way to prevent or even cure it.
Alopecia research ranges from the most basic studies of the mechanisms of hair growth and hair loss in mice to testing medications and ways to apply medications to help regrow hair in people. Both the National Institutes of Health and the National Alopecia Areata Foundation support research into the disease and its treatment. Here are some areas of research that hold promise.
Developing an animal model – This is a critical first step toward understanding the disease, and much progress has been made. Researchers have identified an inbred strain of mice that spontaneously develops a condition similar to the adult-onset form of alopecia areata. This mouse model has already allowed researchers to identify some genetic factors that are involved in development of the disease. By studying mice with a disease similar to human alopecia areata, researchers hope to learn more about the mechanism of the disease and eventually develop immune system treatments for the disease in people.
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Mapping genes – Scientists are studying the possible genetic causes and mechanism of the disease both in families that have one or more people with the disease and in the general population. An understanding of the genetics of the disorder will aid in disease prevention, early intervention, and development of specific therapies.
Studying hair follicle development – By studying how hair follicles form in mouse embryos, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of hair cycle biology that may lead to treatments for the underlying disease process.
Understanding stem cell biology – Epithelial stem cells are immature cells that are responsible for regenerating and maintaining a variety of tissues, including the skin and the hair follicles. Stem cells in the follicle appear to be spared from injury in alopecia areata, which may explain why the potential for regrowth is always there in people with the disease. By studying the biology of these cells, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of factors that trigger the disease.
How Can I Take Part in Research?
A good place to start is the National Alopecia Areata Registry.
The registry, a network of five centers, will identify and register patients with the disease and collect information and blood samples (containing genes). Data, including genetic information, will be made available to researchers studying the genetic basis and other aspects of the disease and disease risk.
The registry is seeking U.S. residents with alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, or alopecia universalis diagnosed by a dermatologist. Although the registry itself will not be involved in any kind of treatment for alopecia areata, people who register will be made aware of studies for which they may qualify.
To take part in the registry, people don’t have to live near or travel to one of the five centers; however, they do have to meet some requirements to participate. For more information, log onto the registry Web site at www.AlopeciaAreataRegistry.org or have your doctor get in touch with the contacts involved with the registry.
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