Japanese researchers have identified a gene that may be responsible for hair loss in humans, giving hope the millions of balding men and women around the world. In genetic experiements on mice, researchers were able to create mutant rodents that lacked the Sox21 "master regulator" gene - a gene also found in humans - whose function they said is to ensure hair retention.

Scientists found that when they blocked the gene in rodents, it led to hair loss. Mice began to shed their fur "from postnatal day 11 beginning at the head and progressing toward the tail region of the back." Eventually the genetically altered mice became bald, losing all their body hair, including whiskers.

Researchers concluded: "The lack of this gene results in a loss of the interlocking structures required for anchoring the hair shaft in the hair follicle." Lead research Yumiko Saga said that the findings could lead to the development of a treatment against thinning hair in humans.

Results of the research were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.