Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

A New Technique for Quantitative Analysis of Hair Loss in Mice Using Grayscale Analysis
Published on: March 9, 2015
What can the genetics of psoriasis teach us about alopecia areata?
1Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School and Ann Arbor VA Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Abstract:
Previous genetic epidemiological studies of psoriasis and alopecia areata demonstrated strong heritability in first-degree relatives and in twins. In recent years, these two conditions have emerged as two skin diseases that are starting to yield their secrets through genome-wide association studies. Both diseases manifest prominent human leukocyte antigen (HLA) associations, psoriasis primarily with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class 1, specifically HLA-Cw6, and alopecia areata primarily with MHC Class II. Despite these differences in HLA associations, both diseases have in common a prominent role for CD8+ lymphocytes. The purpose of this brief review is to present the recent developments in the genetics of psoriasis.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Pleiotropy
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune...
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...

