First Gray Hair Gene Discovered

Gray hair has long been known to be hereditary. Now, British scientists have identified the specific gene that accounts for it.

The discovery, reported in the journal Nature Communications by University College London researchers, confirms that graying is partly tied to environmental and lifestyle factors but also has a genetic component.

The analyzed more than 6,000 people with varied ancestry across Latin America to identify the gene — along with others linked to hair density, shape, and other characteristics (i.e. straight or curly), Medical Express reports.

"We already know several genes involved in balding and hair color but this is the first time a gene for graying has been identified in humans, as well as other genes influencing hair shape and density," said lead researcher Dr. Kaustubh Adhikari, UCL Cell & Developmental Biology.

"It was only possible because we analyzed a diverse melting pot of people, which hasn't been done before on this scale. These findings have potential forensic and cosmetic applications as we increase our knowledge on how genes influence the way we look."

The gene identified for grey hair — IRF4 — is known to play a role in hair color but this is the first time it has been associated with the graying of hair. This gene is involved in regulating production and storage of melanin, the pigment that determines hair, skin, and eye color.

Andres Ruiz-Linares, with UCL Biosciences, said the findings could lead to new ways to delay graying and inform anti-aging research.

"We have found the first genetic association to hair greying, which could provide a good model to understand aspects of the biology of human aging,” Ruiz-Linares said.

“Understanding the mechanism of the IRF4 greying association could also be relevant for developing ways to delay hair greying."