HairSite - Library

• # 96

• Genetic Cream for Gray Hair

• HairSite Editorial

• December 27, 1999

Keywords: Gene Therapy, Gray Hair, Melanin

In December 1997, we featured an article discussing AntiCancer Inc.'s experiement with gene therapy in reversing gray hair. To refresh your memory, we have included an excerpt of the article as follow:

"Both AntiCancer Inc. in San Diego and Applied Genetics in New York are currently researching some kind of gene therapy for grey hair or hair loss. In fact, AntiCaner Inc. already had spectacular results in hair coloring using gene therapy. The treatment involves applying some kind of cream onto the skin. The cream is made up of "liposomes", a compound that functions as the delivery mechanism which transports the appropriate gene or pigmentation to the roots of the hair. The treatment is relatively effective and there is no known side effects at this point. However, the treatment needs to be reapplied every two to three weeks. As of now, the product is not available for commercial use yet. Scientists are still researching and designing the "optimal" liposomes for the treatment to be fully effective. Presently, a large amount of genetic materials are required for the procedure to be effective and as a result, each treatment is very expensive. It is expected that the treatment will be available for commercial use in about two years."

Since our coverage in December 1997, we haven't heard of much about AntiCancer Inc.'s progess.....until NOW.

Recently, a research team led by Kyonggeun Yoon of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia grew pigmented hair in albino mice for the first time in their lives. The experiement involved the use of a genetic cream. The cream was rubbed on the skin of the mice. On some occasions, the gene was injected into the skin of the mice. The new pigmented hair lasted about three months on the mice with no known side effects.

This experiment is more an attempt to rectify an existing gene rather than to incorporate new genetic materials into the mice. Albinos are caused by mutations in a gene responsible for making the enzyme tyrosinase, which has a key role in producing melanin. To correct the faulty genetic conditions in the mice,  the researchers attempted to repair the defect in the gene rather than replace the whole gene. This is done by creating a short length of DNA containing the correct sequence, and flanking it with sequences of the related material RNA. The effect is to fool the cell into repairing the defect. In Nature Biotechnology, the team reports that 21 days after treating the mice the first coloured hairs appeared. Tests showed that the tyrosinase gene mutation had indeed been corrected.

Mr. Robert Hoffman, President of AntiCancer Inc., San Diego commented that "the hair follicle is a visible, safe and non-invasive target for gene therapy."   However, Mr. Hoffman further added that to restore full color, cells located deep in the hair bulb may have to be successfully targeted, and that may be the biggest challenge at present time.

Researchers cautioned undue excitement surrounding this experiment as no human trials has been scheduled in the near future. However, although the changes that lead to grey hair are not identical to those which cause albinism in mice, the success suggests that genetically modifying hair follicles to create a lustrous head of natural-looking hair may not be impossible.

Earlier stories related to Gene Therapy and Gray Hair:

• Another Gene Discovered, Another Step Closer to A Cure
• Liposomes Effective in Delivering Gene Therapy
• "Nude" Gene - A Step Closer to Gene Therapy
•  Dr. Christiano  - Report on Gene Mapping
• Hair Loss Gene Discovered
• A Gene for Hair Growth
• L'Oreal to Research New Treatment For Graying Hair and Hair Loss

For independent comments and discussions on Gene Therapy and Gray Hair, please go to
Female Hair Loss Discussion Group
Male Hair Loss Discussion Group