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IRF4

Is This Gene Responsible for Hair Going Gray? (IRF4)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on December 29th, 2020

IRF4 encodes a protein that regulates pigment production in hair. Is it responsible for premature hair graying? Read on to learn more.

Summary

IRF4 encodes interferon regulatory factor 4. Variants of IRF4 may play a role in hair graying by reducing the activity of the pigment-producing enzyme tyrosinase. Lifestyle, diet, and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by regulating IRF4 and supporting tyrosinase activity.

IRF4 and Hair Graying

The IRF4 gene encodes interferon regulatory factor 4, one of the family of compounds that regulate the interferon response to viral infection [R].

Interferons are named for their ability to interfere with viral replication; they are one of the lines of defense our bodies have against viruses that we have never encountered before [R].

IRF4 has a complex mechanism with both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. In various tissues, it promotes a Th2 immune response and increases the production of IL-10 and IL-33 cytokines [R].

IRF4 activity is regulated by STAT3, a signalling protein that responds to inflammatory signals and controls the expression of genes involved in the growth, development, and activation of immune system cells [R, R, R, R, R].

However, in the eyes, skin, and hair, IRF4 may alter pigmentation. IRF4 deficiency in hair follicles has been suggested to promote the transformation of dark and thick hair into light and thin hair, thereby contributing to hair loss [R, R, R].

This effect may be attributed to decreased tyrosinase activation. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that helps produce pigments such as melanin [R].

One IRF4 variant has been strongly associated with hair graying [R, R].

IRF4 encodes an immune protein that can cause excessive cell death and reduced pigmentation production in the hair follicles when it isn’t regulated properly.

Your IRF4 Results for Hair Graying

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs12203592

IRF4 rs12203592 [R, R]

‘C’ = Not associated with hair graying
‘T’ = Associated with earlier and more extensive graying of hair
The ‘T’ allele may cause dysregulated IRF4, leading to decreased tyrosinase activation and reduced hair pigmentation [R].

Recommendations

Vitamin D

Vitamin D may directly regulate IRF4 gene expression, according to a handful of cell studies [R].

The interaction between vitamin D, its receptor, and IRF4 is highly complex and may be evolutionarily important. IRF4 is one of the genes responsible for lighter hair, skin, and eye color in humans; it is also strongly linked to the sunlight sensitivity and tendency to develop freckles. The vitamin D receptor VDR can also bind to a region of DNA that alters the expression of the IRF4 gene [R, R, R, R, R].

A study of 35 adolescents with premature gray hair found they had lower blood vitamin D levels than healthy controls. Similarly, a study measured lower levels of this vitamin in the hair follicle roots of people with premature hair graying [R, R].

Sunlight is the most effective way to maintain normal vitamin D levels because by stimulating its production. However, research shows that gray hair is especially sensitive to damage by UV radiation. For this reason, it’s important to protect it by covering it with a hat or scarf and using UV-protecting products [R].

Alternatively, you can eat vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, cod liver oil, beef liver, egg yolks, cheese, and mushrooms, or take supplements. The daily recommended intake for vitamin D, according to the National Institutes of Health, is 20 mcg [R, R].

Sunlight and IRF4 have a close relationship, in which vitamin D may directly decrease IRF4 gene expression. However, people with certain IRF4 variants may be more sensitive to skin damage from sunlight, and gray hair is sensitive to UV damage.

Avoid Cigarettes

Cigarette smoke is believed to have a complex interaction with STAT3 that may lead to increased IRF4 and greater rates of cell death [R, R].

Five studies of over 8,000 people found that smokers have a roughly 2-fold higher risk of premature hair graying than non-smokers [R, R, R, R, R].

Cigarette smoke may promote inflammatory damage by stimulating STAT3 and dysregulating IRF4.

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 IRF4 and Hair Graying Your IRF4 Results for Hair Graying

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Is This Gene Responsible for Hair Going Gray? (IRF4)

Summary

IRF4 and Hair Graying

Your IRF4 Results for Hair Graying

SNP Table

Recommendations

Vitamin D

Avoid Cigarettes

Disclaimer

More skin & beauty blogs

Content

Unlock Personalized Results And So Much More!

Essential Bundle

Essential

Bundle

Ultimate Bundle

Limited Time Offer 25% Off

Individual DNA Reports

Methylation Pathway - MTHFR Test

Histamine Intolerance DNA Pathway Report

Gut Health, Digestion & IBS DNA Report

Autoimmune Disease Risk & Prevention DNA Report

See all reports

Policies

About

Navigation

Health reports