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LIPH gene
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Gene

LIPH gene

The LIPH gene provides instructions for making the enzyme lipase H, which plays a critical role in hair follicle development and growth.

Normal Function

The LIPH gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called lipase H. This enzyme is found in many cells and tissues, where it breaks down the molecule phosphatidic acid into lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and free fatty acid. LPA is a ligand, which means that it attaches (binds) to certain proteins called receptors. A ligand and its receptor fit together like a key in a lock. LPA has multiple receptors and is involved in many cellular functions, such as cell growth and division (proliferation), cell movement (migration), and the self-destruction of cells (apoptosis).

One of LPA's receptors, the LPA6 protein, regulates the proliferation and maturation (differentiation) of cells within hair follicles, which are specialized structures in the skin where hair growth occurs. These cell processes are important for the normal development of hair follicles and for hair growth; as the cells in the hair follicle divide, the hair strand (shaft) is pushed upward and extends beyond the skin, causing the hair to grow. Lipase H is also found in the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis) and glands in the skin that produce a substance that protects the skin and hair (sebaceous glands).

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Autosomal recessive hypotrichosis

More than 15 mutations in the LIPH gene have been found to cause autosomal recessive hypotrichosis, a condition that results in sparse hair growth (hypotrichosis) on the scalp and, less frequently, other parts of the body. Some mutations are specific to groups with Pakistani or Japanese ancestry, or in the Mari and Chuvash populations of Russia. LIPH gene mutations lead to the production of a lipase H enzyme with little or no function. Without functional lipase H, LPA is not produced. A lack of LPA impairs many cellular functions, including the proliferation and maturation of the cells that make up hair follicles. As a result, hair follicles are structurally abnormal and often underdeveloped. Irregular hair follicles alter the structure and growth of hair shafts, leading to fragile hair that breaks easily. A lack of lipase H function in the epidermis likely contributes to the skin problems sometimes seen in individuals with autosomal recessive hypotrichosis.

Other disorders

Mutations in the LIPH gene can also cause a hair condition called autosomal recessive woolly hair. People with this condition have hair that is unusually coarse, dry, fine, and tightly curled. Woolly hair typically affects only scalp hair and is present from birth. In some cases, affected individuals develop hypotrichosis as they get older. Certain LIPH gene mutations cause autosomal recessive woolly hair in some people and autosomal recessive hypotrichosis in others, even among members of the same family. Because of a shared genetic cause and overlapping features, it is uncertain whether these two conditions are separate disorders or part of the same disease spectrum.

Other Names for This Gene

  • lipase member H
  • lipase, member H
  • LIPH_HUMAN
  • LPD lipase-related protein
  • LPDLR
  • membrane-associated phosphatidic acid-selective phospholipase A1-alpha
  • membrane-bound phosphatidic acid-selective phospholipase A1
  • mPA-PLA1
  • mPA-PLA1 alpha
  • phospholipase A1 member B
  • PLA1B

Frequently Asked Questions

nswer 4: If you experience sparse hair growth, especially if it started early in life, affects the scalp and potentially other body areas, and there's a family history of similar hair loss, you might consider consulting a dermatologist
nswer 2: Diagnosis typically involves a clinical evaluation of hair loss patterns. Genetic testing for mutations in the LIPH gene is used to confirm the diagnosis, especially if there is a family history or suspicion of a genetic cause. This testing can identify the specific mutations responsible for the condition.
nswer 1: Autosomal recessive hypotrichosis primarily means sparse hair growth (hypotrichosis) on the scalp, and sometimes other body parts. "Autosomal recessive" indicates that a person must inherit two copies of the mutated LIPH gene (one from each parent) to develop the condition. The condition is generally limited to hair issues, as the LIPH gene's primary known role in this context is related to hair follicle development.
nswer 3: Currently, there are no specific medical treatments that can cure or reverse hypotrichosis caused by LIPH gene mutations. Since the condition stems from a genetic defect affecting hair follicle development, stimulating hair growth can be challenging. Management often focuses on cosmetic solutions like wigs or hairpieces. Research into gene therapies or other targeted treatments is ongoing for various genetic hair disorders.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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