deCODEme genetic test includes an identification of the male pattern baldness trait.

A team of scientists, led by Professor Tim Spector of King’s College, London, have been taking a closer look at the genetic coordinates for male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia. Male pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss in men and one that increases steadily with age. While it has been known for some time that men inherit a tendency for baldness via their x chromosomes from their maternal grandfather, this new research has identified a region on chromosome 20 (20p11) that suggests that a susceptibility for baldness is also inherited directly from one’s father. There is no preventative treatment as such–at least none that is guaranteed to work–but if you are among the 14% who are in the greatest risk group there’s more hope now the genetic causes of baldness are being identified. Frank Geller from deCODE genetics is among the geneticists who took part in the research. The genetic scan deCODEme already includes an identification of the male pattern baldness trait.

• Link: “Male-pattern baldness susceptibility locus at 20p11″ in Nature Genetics
• Link: “Genetic test can forecast bald facts about each man’s future” in The Times
• Link: “Hair loss now predictable with gene scan” in The National Business Review
• Link: “One-two gene punch raises odds of baldness in men” at CNN.com