Dr. Angela Christiano of Columbia University is collecting pairs of brothers for the first-ever, history-making gene mapping study in male pattern baldness (MPB).  For the first time, mapping MPB as a "complex trait", that is, a condition caused by more-than-one gene, will be undertaken.  To do this, she need your help!  She needs to collect DNA samples from 200 pairs of brothers, both of whom are Norwood VII's before age 30, as well as both of their parents.  It is anticipated that by using this large number of affected brothers, several genes involved in MPB can be identified.  Once the genetic basis of hairloss is understood, better and more effective, rationally designed treatments based on controlling the genes involved can be designed in the coming years.  Help us to make history in the year 2000, and get the millenium off to a great start by finally getting to the "root" of the problem.

An info packet that we will send to interested parties (this is just a text file instructing them with more details and how they can participate as well as a word document with further details and an informed consent explanation).

There is no cost to the patient for participation in this study.  First, a phone interview and a detailed family history and pedigree will be performed. If eligible, blood samples will be collected in one of two ways:

1. Brothers and parents can come into Columbia 16 East 60th Street or 622
W. 168th St. for blood collection.

OR

2.  Brothers and parents can have blood samples collected by their own physicians, nurses, etc. free of charge and shipped to us via fedex at no cost.

Criteria:

1.  Must be pairs of brothers, who were both Norwood VIIs by age 30.  if more than two brothers affected, even better.
2.  Brothers must have the SAME two parents, BOTH living.  If father also has MPB, even better, but not required.
3.  Ethnic background is unimportant, however, we would like to collect samples from as many different ethnicities as possible.
4. It doesn't matter what kind of treatments you're on.