OUR RESEARCH

Our research team led by Dr. Animesh Sinha and Dr. Sudha Iyengar at the New York Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Case Western Reserve University respectively is undertaking a non-profit research project involving the genetics of alopecia areata. This project, "Mapping of Genes for Alopecia Areata in the General Population," is supported by a grant from the NIH and the studies have been given Institutional Review Board approval.

Our experimental strategy is to use the most current molecular techniques to identify and study the genes responsible for alopecia areata. Patient DNA will be scanned in an effort to map disease genes. Ultimately, we wish to find the links in the genome that render people susceptible to alopecia areata. It is our short-term goal to gain a better understanding of why some individuals are pre-disposed to the disease and to identify those individuals at risk. Over the long term, our goal is to use this information to point towards new and innovative therapies for the disease.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We are interested in recruiting patients who are afflicted with alopecia areata and their affected relatives. The success of our project is critically dependent upon recruitment of subjects. Your participation is entirely voluntary and would be greatly appreciated. Following completion of an informed consent form, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire concerning your family medical history and your experience with alopecia areata. In addition, you will be asked to have your blood drawn at a location and time that is convenient.

HOW TO CONTACT US

If you have any questions or are interested in participating in the study please call me, the study coordinator, Dr. Jana Baumgarten, at 1-800-308-2080 or e-mail me at DermatologyResearch@med.cornell.edu. I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.