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BCL11A

A Brain & Blood Development Gene in Male-Pattern Baldness (BCL11A)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on December 22nd, 2020

BCL11A is mostly expressed in the brain and blood cell-producing tissues. How is it connected to male-pattern baldness? Read on to find out.

Summary

The BCL11A gene encodes B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A. Variants of BCL11A may play a role in male-pattern baldness by disrupting the development of skin tissues. Lifestyle, diet, and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by supporting correct BCL11A function.

BCL11A and Male-Pattern Baldness

The BCL11A gene encodes a protein called BAF chromatin remodeling complex subunit BCL11A or B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A. BCL11A is a transcription factor, meaning that it regulates the expression of many other genes [R, R].

BCL11A is expressed primarily in the brain and blood cell-producing tissues and can be used as a marker for leukemia and other types of cancer. Mutations in the BCL11A gene can cause intellectual and developmental disabilities [R, R, R, R].

People with BCL11A mutations may have very fine hair and receding hairlines at a young age, among a long list of other possible symptoms. However, the majority of research on this gene has been related to neurological effects or cancer, and the relationship between BCL11A and hair loss is poorly understood [R].

Some research suggests that BCL11A plays a role in the early development and organization of skin cells. The skin of animals without BCL11A is more susceptible to bacterial infection [R, R].

One BCL11A variant has been associated with male-pattern baldness. Researchers have not yet investigated whether this variant increases or decreases BCL11A function in some way [R].

BCL11A regulates the expression of many other genes and is mostly expressed in the brain and blood cell-producing tissues. One variant in this gene has been associated with male-pattern baldness.

Your BCL11A Results for Male-Pattern Baldness

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs2540917

BCL11A rs2540917 [R]

‘C’ = Associated with relatively higher rates of male-pattern baldness
‘T’ = Associated with relatively lower rates of male-pattern baldness

Recommendations

Avoid Cigarettes

People who smoke cigarettes appear to express BCL11A differently from those who do not. Both smoking and BCL11A have been associated with DNA damage, uncontrolled cell growth, and cancer, but the specific connection between the two has not been well-studied [R].

Several studies have associated smoking with an approximately 2-fold increased risk of male-pattern baldness. Cigarette smoke may cause oxidative and inflammatory damage in the hair follicles, impair hair growth, and reduce female sex hormone levels. A study found that the combination of smoking with being overweight increased male-pattern baldness severity [R, R, R, R, R].

Cigarette smoke may alter the expression of BCL11A and increase the rate of hair loss in male-pattern baldness.

Zinc

The BCL11A protein includes a structure called a zinc finger that requires zinc in order to function properly [R].

A study of 120 men found that those with male-pattern baldness had lower blood levels of zinc and vitamin B7 [R].

In another study of 48 men with this condition, normal blood zinc levels were associated with better success of conservative therapies and increased hair density [R].

The daily recommended intake of zinc is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. Good dietary sources of zinc include red meat, seafood, dairy products, nuts, legumes, and whole grains [R, R].

BCL11A requires zinc to function normally, and zinc deficiency has been associated with male-pattern baldness.

Jasmine Foster

BSc, BEd

Jasmine received her BS from McGill University and her BEd from Vancouver Island University.

Jasmine loves helping people understand their brains and bodies, a passion that grew out of her dual background in biology and education. From the chem lab to the classroom, everyone has the right to learn and make informed decisions about their health.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

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Summary BCL11A and Male-Pattern Baldness Your BCL11A Results for Male-Pattern Baldness

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A Brain & Blood Development Gene in Male-Pattern Baldness (BCL11A)

Summary

BCL11A and Male-Pattern Baldness

Your BCL11A Results for Male-Pattern Baldness

SNP Table

Recommendations

Avoid Cigarettes

Zinc

Disclaimer

More skin & beauty blogs

Content

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Essential Bundle

Essential

Bundle

Limited time offer 25% off

Ultimate Bundle

Policies

About

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