A Comprehensive Review of GWASs of Human Hair Traits.
Hair traits are nonpathogenic features that vary among individuals. Unlike hair follicle (HF) diseases, which are rare in the population, hair traits can be measured in everyone. This facilitates the construction of large cohorts that are well-powered for gene discovery. GWASs identify genetic variants that are widely shared among people globally, providing knowledge with broad population relevance. We compile findings from hair trait GWASs to deepen our understanding of HF biology. In reviewing genetic factors that influence hair traits, we demonstrate overlap with disease genes, underscoring that genetic studies of traits improve our knowledge about health and disease.
Humans↗