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LPAR6 gene
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Gene

LPAR6 gene

The LPAR6 gene provides instructions for making a receptor protein that regulates the growth and maturation of cells within hair follicles.

Normal Function

The LPAR6 gene provides instructions for making a protein called lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 (LPA6). This protein functions as a receptor. Receptor proteins have particular sites into which certain other proteins, called ligands, fit like keys into locks. A specific fat called lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is the ligand for the LPA6 protein. LPA can attach to many receptors, but LPA6 is the only LPA receptor found in hair follicles. Hair follicles are specialized structures in the skin where hair growth occurs. 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. The LPA6 protein is also found in the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). Attachment of LPA to LPA6 helps regulate the growth and division (proliferation) and maturation (differentiation) of cells in the hair follicle.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Autosomal recessive hypotrichosis

More than 30 LPAR6 gene mutations 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. LPAR6 gene mutations lead to the production of an abnormal LPA6 protein that cannot bind to LPA to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation within 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 LPA6 protein function in the epidermis likely contributes to the skin problems sometimes seen in individuals with autosomal recessive hypotrichosis.

Other disorders

Mutations in the LPAR6 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 LPAR6 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

  • G-protein coupled purinergic receptor P2Y5
  • LPA receptor 6
  • LPA-6
  • LPAR6_HUMAN
  • oleoyl-L-alpha-lysophosphatidic acid receptor
  • P2RY5
  • P2Y purinoceptor 5
  • P2Y5
  • purinergic receptor 5
  • purinergic receptor P2Y G protein-coupled protein 5
  • purinergic receptor P2Y, G-protein coupled, 5
  • RB intron encoded G-protein coupled receptor

Genomic Location

The LPAR6 gene is found on chromosome 13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnosis is typically made by a dermatologist based on the clinical presentation of sparse, fragile hair and a family history consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance. Definitive diagnosis requires genetic testing to identify specific mutations in the LPAR6 gene. This testing can confirm the diagnosis and help with genetic counseling for family planning, as both parents must carry a mutation for a child to be affected.
Standard treatments for androgenetic alopecia (common hair loss) are generally ineffective for LPAR6-related hypotrichosis because the underlying issue is a structural defect in the hair follicle caused by a genetic mutation, not hormonal sensitivity. The hair follicles are often underdeveloped or abnormal, so stimulating growth with typical medications does not address the root cause. Management is usually focused on cosmetic solutions and protecting the fragile hair from breakage.
utosomal recessive hypotrichosis caused by LPAR6 mutations results in sparse, fine, and fragile hair that often breaks easily. Unlike common pattern hair loss, which is gradual and often age-related, this condition typically presents with very little hair on the scalp from early childhood. The hair that does grow is often short and may not reach significant length due to its fragility and the underdeveloped structure of the hair follicles.
While the scalp is most commonly and severely affected, LPAR6 mutations can also lead to sparse growth of eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. The severity varies among individuals, but the condition is not limited to the scalp. The lack of LPA6 protein function in the epidermis may also contribute to mild skin changes, though the primary visible symptom remains the hypotrichosis.
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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