BJD Snippet

In a 2017 study, researchers analyzed gene expression in scalp biopsies from men with premature androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and healthy volunteers to identify molecular biomarkers associated with AGA. They found that genes related to mast cell granule enzymes, inflammatory and immunoglobulin-associated immune mediators were overexpressed in AGA, while genes linked to the Wnt/ß-catenin and bone morphogenic protein/transforming growth factor-ß signaling pathways were underexpressed. This suggests inhibition of these pathways in hair follicle regeneration. Dysregulated expression of proopiomelanocortin and lower expression of CYP27B1, which affects vitamin D metabolism, were also noted. The study provides evidence for specific molecular events contributing to alopecia, which could lead to new treatments.