Bi-allelic Mutations in LSS, Encoding Lanosterol Synthase, Cause Autosomal-Recessive Hypotrichosis Simplex

Hypotrichosis simplex (HS) is a rare form of hereditary alopecia characterized by childhood onset of diffuse and progressive scalp and body hair loss. Although research has identified a number of causal genes, genetic etiology in about 50% of HS cases remains unknown. The present report describes the identification via whole-exome sequencing of five different mutations in the gene LSS in three unrelated families with unexplained, potentially autosomal-recessive HS. Affected individuals showed sparse to absent lanugo-like scalp hair, sparse and brittle eyebrows, and sparse eyelashes and body hair.

Source: The American Journal of Human Genetics - October 25, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Maria-Teresa Romano, Aylar Tafazzoli, Maximilian Mattern, Sugirthan Sivalingam, Sabrina Wolf, Alexander Rupp, Holger Thiele, Janine Altm üller, Peter Nürnberg, Jürgen Ellwanger, Reto Gambon, Alessandra Baumer, Nicolai Kohlschmidt, Dieter Metze, Stefan Tags: Report Source Type: research