The Genetic Landscape of Androgenetic Alopecia: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a complex polygenic disorder involving multiple biological pathways, with recent genomic research identifying numerous susceptibility loci through genome-wide association studies. These studies reveal that follicle miniaturization results from interacting molecular mechanisms rather than a single process. Genetic risk varies across populations, with many loci identified in European cohorts not transferring well to other ancestries, emphasizing the need for more diverse studies. In women, genetic studies are underpowered, and data suggest a partially distinct risk architecture compared to men. Pharmacogenetic findings show genetic variation may affect therapy response, though no markers are validated for clinical use. Advances in single-cell and multi-omic approaches are enhancing understanding of genetic risk and supporting the development of personalized treatment strategies.