Research, by Leif Carlsson and his research team at Umea University in Sweden, indicates that activation of the gene Lhx2 leads to increased hair growth.

In their recent study, Leif Carlsson and his research team identified the transcription factor Lhx2 as an important regulator of hair formation. It was found that the Lhx2 gene is active during the anagen (growth) phase and dormant during the resting period.  It has been shown that Lhx2 is involved in the formation of hair because hair follicles in which Lhx2 is inactive are not able to produce hair growth. In fact, activation of the Lhx2 gene in hair follicles appears to activate the growth phase and thus the formation of hair. Lhx2 is therefore considered to be a gene that is important for the regulation of hair growth.

Hair serves a number of commonly overlooked purposes: it is important for temperature regulation, physical protection, sensory activity, seasonal camouflage, and social interactions. Hair is formed in hair follicles, which are formed during fetal development.  New hair is generated in a cycle whereby the hair follicle undergoes recession, rest and growth.  Hair length is determined by the duration of the anagen phase.

Gene That Regulates Hair Growth Identified

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