The breakthrough could also provide the key to skin generation for burn victims and skin cancer sufferers, according to a team at the University of Southern California

Bald men could have a full head of hair after the discovery of the gene that promotes hair growth.

The breakthrough could also provide the key to skin generation for burn victims and skin cancer sufferers.

A team at the University of Southern California investigated stem cells found in follicles which can regenerate hair and skin.

Stem cell specialist Dr Krzysztof Kobielak said: Collectively, these new discoveries advance basic science and, more importantly, might translate into novel therapeutics for various human diseases.

Since BMP signaling has a key regulatory role in maintaining the stability of different types of adult stem cell populations, the implication for future therapies might be potentially much broader than baldness - and could include skin regeneration for burn patients and skin cancer.

The papers were published in the journals Stem Cells and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

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Cure for baldness could be near after discovery of gene that promotes hair growth