Laser Capture Microdissection as a Method for Investigating the Human Hair Follicle Microbiome Reveals Region-Specific Differences in the Bacteriome Profile

This pilot study used laser capture microdissection (LCM) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to explore the human hair follicle (HF) microbiome, revealing region-specific differences in bacterial communities. Conducted with three healthy volunteers, the study identified core bacterial colonizers like Cutibacterium, Corynebacterium, and Staphylococcus across different HF regions, with the lower HF showing higher microbial diversity. The research highlighted the influence of nutritional and immune factors on microbial variations and identified previously unreported genera such as Acidibacter, Fusobacterium, and Bryobacter. Despite its small sample size, the study suggests that LCM is a promising tool for understanding HF microbiomes and developing targeted treatments for hair loss disorders.