male pattern baldness

[housemd]

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USMLE World says it is autosomal dominant, but I always thought it was X linked, which is why mostly only men go bald. Does anyone know for sure which it is?

 

[Gibbles]

Like with a great many diseases, Male Pattern Baldness is multifactorial. I do not believe that there has ever been a true ubiquitous defect discovered in men (or women) with androgenic alopecia. The most common one you'll hear about is a single nucleotide mutation in the androgen receptor gene on the x chromosome.

For now, I'd go with X-linked as the androgen receptor is contained on the x chromosome. Just be aware that the five alpha reductase genes are autosomal and so are a myriad of other possible enzymes and receptors that play a role.

 

[housemd]

ok, will do. thanks for the help

 

[JonnyG]

I was taught it is autosomal dominant in male but is autosomal recessive in female. I think it ties in with being multifactorial.