According to a recent study, premature graying is not tied only to a stressful lifestyle. There is also a genetic culprit for grey hair, which scientists have recently identified.
The study, which was recently published in the journal Nature Communications, shows that a gene called IRF4 plays a significant part in greying.
The research involved about 6,600 participants from the U.S., Europe, and Africa. Volunteers agreed to provide genetic samples for the new research.
Study authors explained that hair color is due to pigments released by the melanocytes within hair follicles.
But as we grow older, melanocytes’ natural production of pigments is reduced, so the hair becomes grey.
Dr. Kaustubh Adhikari, the lead author of the latest study, explained that the recent finding may help science solve the mystery.
Researchers found the IRF4 gene on chromosome six.
Previous research has pinpointed genes that are responsible for natural hair color and balding.
Still, never before had scientists spotted a gene linked to gray hair in humans.