Grey Hair Gene Discovered

The discovery, according to the scientists, could lead to new ways of delaying or preventing this natural sign of ageing.

16:38 02 March 2016

A group of scientists who conducted a research involving 6,000 volunteers of European, Native American, and African ancestry has identified the gene that is responsible for grey hair. 

 

The gene IRF4 regulates a natural hair, skin and eye pigment called melanin. Scientists said that although it is highly unlikely that it is the only one that controls greying, it provides a starting point.

 

Lead author Dr 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.

 

"It was only possible because we analysed a diverse melting pot of people, which hasn't been done before on this scale."

 

"The genes we have identified are unlikely to work in isolation to cause greying or straight hair, or thick eyebrows, but have a role to play along with many other factors yet to be identified."