Gene behind grey hair, various hair types identified

Genetics have long been known to be responsible for gray hair, but scientists have recently discovered the particular gene that turns hair gray. A study released in the beginning of this month by Nature Communications shows that the IRF4 gene, which has been previously known as the cause of light hair of Europeans, is now linked to gray hair as well.

Researchers examined the DNA of 6,000 Latin American individuals, including those belonging to Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Chile, to find out the genes that decide hair colour, density, and texture. With the help of the diverse gene pool, the researched found that the IRF4 gene is the culprit for gray hair.

Study author Kaustubh Adhikari from University College London said, ''We already know several genes involved in balding and hair colour, but this is the first time a gene for greying has been identified in humans, as well as other genes influencing hair shape and density.''

The gene plays a significant role in regulating and producing melanin, which provides hair its colour, and decides the colour of eyes and skin. Gray hair occurs in the case of less melanin production. The amount of melanin produced by the body is determined by genetics.

Adhikari said that when hair start turning gray, something happens that pushes this gene to produce even less amount of melanin. He added that now more specific functional questions can be asked.

Scientists are optimistic that the latest study will prove helpful in determining ways to postpone the greying process and could assist in better understanding of aging. They also have hopes that the particular gene will also be helpful in the forensic science and anthropology.

A report published in the ExaminerGazette said, "IRF4, researchers were able to see how the gene influences the colour of hair by slowing the production of melanin in hair follicles, causing locks of brown, blonde, red, or black to turn gray over time.

''This doesn't mean that you will soon line up at your closest genetic manipulation laboratory and demand a curly hair DNA redo. The researchers said identifying this gene could offer a path forward for developing a treatment that could prevent or reverse greying."

A gene, called FOXL2, has been linked to bushy eyebrows, while EDAR gene is found responsible for East Asian hair types. As we know, Melanin is a pigment which determines the colour of our skin, hair, and eyes. A gene known as PRSS53 is now one of several linked to curly hair.

"Gray hair is caused by a multitude of factors. First of all, the individual must have the IRF4 gene; then there are outside factors that significantly influence the time in which the fading hair colour starts to appear. For example, smoking and stress contribute to early onset of pigmentation loss," says a news report published by Mirror Daily.

Other discoveries mentioned in the study include the FOXL2 gene which is linked to bushy eyebrows, the EDAR gene that makes the head hair straight and the facial hair sparse, and the PRSS53, which is responsible for the curly hair effect.

WorldReportNow report added, "And now scientists believe that the gene responsible for gray hair was discovered. Alongside the ''code'' for the black and white old hair picture, the researchers also found additional genes that are responsible for beard thickness, curly hair, and even the infamous unibrow."