Ectodermal dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects the development and function of certain parts of the body. It can cause abnormalities in the skin, hair, teeth, and sweat glands.
Full definition
Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania who study an inherited disorder of skin, hair follicles, nails, sweat glands, and teeth called
hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) have identified a mechanism that may also be disrupted in male pattern baldness, a more common condition.
So far, the only genetic disorder they might be susceptible to is
Feline Ectodermal Dysplasia that causes deformed teeth and problems lactating.
The condition, X-linked
hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED), occurs due to a genetic - driven deficiency of a key developmental protein called ectodysplasin A (EDA), the study authors said in background notes.
Heterozygous mutations in human TP63 are associated with a number of allelic syndromes characterized by orofacial defects, including Ectrodactyly -
Ectodermal dysplasia - Cleft lip / palate and Ankyloblepharon - Ectodermal dysplasia - Clefting [43].
The National Organization for Rare Disorders has more about hypohidrotic
ectodermal dysplasia.
Ectodermal dysplasia is a term that covers a wide group of diseases associated with abnormal development of any tissue of ectodermal origin, namely skin, nails and teeth.
Ectodermal Dysplasia - Hairless This type of Ectodermal Dysplasia is responsible for hairlessness as well as dental abnormalities in the Chinese Crested, Mexican Hairless, and Peruvian Hairless breeds.