Stefanie Heilmann-Heimbach, PhD – Advances in Hair Biology Lecturer
Head of NGS Core Facility, Head of Laboratory, Research Group Leader – Genetics of Androgenetic Alopecia, Institute of Human Genetics, Division of Genomics, Life & Brain Research Centre, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
Dr. Heilmann-Heimbach will speak on: Updates on the Inheritance of AGA for the Practicing Hair Surgeon
Stefanie Heilmann-Heimbach, PhD, is a research fellow at the Institute of Human Genetics at the University Hospital Bonn, where she leads the research group on male-pattern hair loss. She earned her PhD in Molecular Biomedicine and completed her Habilitation in Human Genetics at the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn. Dr. Heilmann-Heimbach’s research focuses on uncovering the genetic and biological mechanisms underlying male-pattern hair loss. Her contributions have been instrumental in identifying and interpreting genetic risk factors associated with the condition, advancing the understanding of its hereditary and molecular basis.
Watch Lecture Intro Video
Summary Notes of Intro Video
Key Discussion Points:
[00:00:10] Introduction to Dr. Stephanie Heimlach
Dr. Lam introduces Dr. Heimlach-Heimbach and her expertise in the inheritance patterns of androgenetic alopecia.
Dr. Heilmann-Heimbach highlights her role as a clinical research fellow at the University of Bonn’s Institute of Human Genetics.
[00:01:05] Current Understanding of Androgenetic Alopecia Genetics
- Over 350 genetic loci have been identified as contributors to personal risk for developing androgenetic alopecia.
- Promising candidate genes and pathways have been pinpointed, though much remains unknown.
[00:02:00] Evolution of Research Over the Last Decade
- When Dr. Heilmann-Heimbach began her PhD, only two loci were known.
- International collaborations and large data sets have accelerated progress, increasing the number of identified loci dramatically.
[00:03:05] How Close Are We to Fully Understanding the Genetics?
- Current loci explain roughly 40% of phenotypic variance in male pattern baldness.
- High heritability estimates suggest additional genetic risk factors remain undiscovered.
- Environmental factors and gene-environment interactions are still poorly understood.
[00:04:10] Clustering of Genetic Loci in Specific Pathways
- Genetic loci often cluster in hormonal signaling pathways, such as those involving androgens, estrogens, and Wnt signaling.
- Hair biology pathways are central, but other unknown pathways may also play a role.
- The importance of specific pathways may vary between individuals, potentially creating subgroups of male pattern baldness phenotypes.
[00:06:00] Implications for Genetic Therapies and Clinical Applications
- Current research is focused on basic science to understand the genetic roots of hair loss.
- Identifying drug targets within these pathways could lead to future interventions.
- Known targets, such as 5-Alpha reductase, provide hope for further therapeutic discoveries.
- Genetic data may also be valuable for predicting personal risk and tailoring treatments via companion diagnostics.
[00:07:50] Collaboration with Pharmaceutical Companies
- Dr. Heilmann-Heimbach mentions there is no current collaboration with pharmaceutical companies.
- Past projects with Henke have contributed to foundational understanding but are not yet market-ready.
[00:09:10] Closing Remarks
Dr. Lam thanks Dr. Heilmann-Heimbach for her insights. The congress promises cutting-edge discussions and research presentations, including Dr. Heilmann-Heimbach’s lecture.