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RUNX1

Cell Division Suppression & Male-Pattern Baldness (RUNX1)

Written by Shany Lahan, MS (Neuroscience) on December 29th, 2020
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RUNX1 helps promote cell proliferation by suppressing a cell division blocker. Read more to find out how variants of RUNX1 may increase the odds of male-pattern baldness. 

Summary

RUNX1 codes for a protein that suppresses the cell proliferation inhibitor p21. Variants of RUNX1 may play a role in male-pattern baldness by decreasing the production or activity of RUNX1, thereby increasing p21 activity. Lifestyle modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by decreasing p21 production.

RUNX1 and Male-Pattern Baldness

The RUNX1 gene codes for RUNX family transcription factor 1 (RUNX1), a protein that alters the activity of genes [R].

Deletion of RUNX1 has been reported to perturb hair growth cycles and hair structure, suggesting that RUNX1 promotes hair follicle cell growth and expansion (proliferation) [R, R].

Indeed, studies have shown that RUNX1 may suppress p21, a protein that blocks cell proliferation by regulating cell division [R].

Variants of RUNX1 have been associated with male-pattern baldness. These variants may lower the production or activity of RUNX1, resulting in increased p21 activity, reduced cell proliferation, and hair loss [R, R, R, R, R].

Your RUNX1 Results for Male-Pattern Baldness

SNP Table

variant genotype frequency risk allele
rs68088846
rs11701104

 

Primary SNP:

RUNX1 rs68088846 [R, R, R, R, R]

  • ‘A’ = Higher odds of male-pattern baldness
  • ‘G’ = Not associated with male-pattern baldness

Other Important SNPs:

RUNX1 rs11701104 [R]

  • ‘C’ = Higher odds of male-pattern baldness, relative to ‘T’
  • ‘T’ = Lower odds of male-pattern baldness, relative to ‘C’

 

Recommendations

Lifestyle

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is the application of low-power lasers to the surface of the body. It seems to stimulate the production of nitric oxide and free radicals, both of which act as messenger molecules to trigger physiological responses such as hair growth [R].

LLLT may similarly promote the growth and expansion of cells by decreasing production of p21, suggesting that it may counter the negative effects of RUNX1 risk variants [R, R].

The FDA approved this technique for male-pattern baldness in 2007. Meta-analyses of 11 different trials suggest that LLLT may improve hair growth and density, both alone and in combination with conventional treatments. However, they warned that larger studies with longer follow-up periods and independent sources of funding are required to confirm these results [R, R, R].

Low-level laser therapy may help manage male-pattern baldness by decreasing production of p21.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

In multiple studies, the amount of p21 was observed to be elevated in obese animals, suggesting that maintaining a healthy weight may help prevent the negative effects associated with RUNX1 risk variants [R, R].

Being overweight or obese has been associated with increased severity of male-pattern baldness [R, R, R].

Maintaining a healthy weight may help manage male-pattern baldness by preventing elevations in p21.

Author photo
Shany Lahan
MS (Neuroscience)

Shany received her MSc in Neuroscience from Western University.

Prior to joining SelfDecode, Shany conducted research related to Alzheimer’s disease, and taught science to undergraduate students. She believes that research should be accessible to everyone, regardless of scientific background. Shany joined SelfDecode with a mission to help others optimize their health and wellbeing – as well as help them understand the science behind it all.

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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