Microarray analysis of androgenetic and senescent alopecia: Comparison of gene expression shows two distinct profiles
November 2013
in “Journal of Dermatological Science”
TLDR The conclusion is that androgenetic alopecia and senescent alopecia have unique gene changes, suggesting different causes and potential treatments for these hair loss types.
The study analyzed gene expression in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and senescent alopecia (SA) by examining scalp biopsies from three groups of age-matched men: controls, AGA patients, and SA patients, with 10 individuals in each group. A total of 1200 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in AGA and 1360 in SA when compared to controls. The study found that AGA was characterized by a significant underexpression of genes related to hair follicle homeostasis and an upregulation of the Androgen Receptor (AR), while SA was associated with changes in genes involved in skin and epidermal development, keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, and cell cycle regulation. Notch signaling was notably altered in AGA, and Neuregulin signaling in SA. The findings, supported by NIH grants, suggest that AGA and SA are distinct hair loss disorders with unique gene expression profiles, indicating that non-androgen pathways play a role in hair loss, and provide new potential targets for treatment.
View this study on jdsjournal.com →
Cited in this study
research Six Novel Susceptibility Loci for Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia and Their Unexpected Association with Common Diseases
Six new genetic regions linked to early hair loss also connect to Parkinson's disease and prostate cancer, possibly leading to new treatments.
research Notch Signaling Regulates Late-Stage Epidermal Differentiation and Maintains Postnatal Hair Cycle Homeostasis
Notch signaling is essential for healthy skin and hair follicle maintenance.
research How real is senescent alopecia? A histopathologic approach
Aging alone rarely causes significant hair loss; hormones are a bigger factor.
research Genetic Variation in the Human Androgen Receptor Gene Is the Major Determinant of Common Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia
Genetic variation in the androgen receptor gene mainly causes early-onset hair loss, with maternal inheritance playing a key role.
Related
research Baricitinib Results in Eyebrow and Eyelash Growth in Patients With Alopecia Areata Who Do Not Achieve 20% or Less Scalp Hair Loss
Baricitinib helps grow eyebrows and eyelashes in severe alopecia areata patients.
research 63-Year-Old Female with Diffuse Thinning of the Hair
Androgenetic alopecia, a common hair loss condition, can be treated with topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, or oral spironolactone, and new treatments like platelet-rich plasma, low-level laser therapy, and janus-kinase inhibitors are being explored.
research Hair loss (alopecia or baldness)
Baldness is often hereditary and linked to male hormones, becoming noticeable when half the hair is lost.
research Cosmetic aspects of cranial reconstruction
The article concludes that cranial reconstruction should aim for the best aesthetic result, using various techniques tailored to individual needs and conditions.
research Molecular mechanisms of androgenetic alopecia
AGA causes hair loss by shrinking hair follicles due to DHT binding, and can be treated with finasteride and minoxidil.
research Histopathologycal and topical immunologycal changes in alopeciae
Autoimmune and inflammatory processes are involved in both scarring and non-scarring types of hair loss.