Study of Gene Expression Alteration in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: Evidence of Predominant Molecular Signaling Pathways

April 2017 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

Laurence Michel, Pascal Reygagne, Philippe Benech, Francette Jean-Louis, S. Scalvino, S. Ly Ka So, Zeinab Hamidou, S. Bianovici, Juliette Pouch, Bertrand Ducos, Marion C. Bonnet, Armand Bensussan, Angela Patatian, E. Lati, Joanna Wdzieczak-Bakala, J-C. Choulot, E. Loing, Michel Hocquaux

androgenetic alopecia immune response inflammatory response vitamin D biosynthesis Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway hair follicle development proopiomelanocortin POMC CYP27B1 AGA vitamin D Wnt signaling hair follicle

Studysummary This study identified overexpression of certain immune-related genes and underexpression of genes in specific signaling pathways in premature androgenetic alopecia, suggesting potential new therapeutic targets. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This document is a compilation of several studies that analyzed gene expression in male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) patients to identify molecular signaling pathways involved in hair loss. The studies found evidence of immune and inflammatory responses being strongly up-regulated, as well as an inhibition of certain signaling pathways and an alteration of vitamin D biosynthesis. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which plays an important role in hair follicle development and maintenance, was inhibited in AGA patients. The dysregulated expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and lower expression of CYP27B1 in AGA subjects were also identified. The studies provide compelling evidence for distinct molecular events contributing to alopecia that may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches.

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