Molecular Mechanisms of Donor Dominance in Androgenetic Alopecia

The study investigates the molecular mechanisms of donor dominance in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and found that the hair pattern in AGA overlaps with the demarcations of scalp dermis/underlying bones. Computational analyses of RNA seq from parietal and occipital scalp of matching control and AGA affected volunteers revealed a differential gene expression profile along the cranial-caudal axis defining two distinct biosignatures that reflect the developmental origins of the skin and the susceptibility to develop AGA. The study provides novel insights into the genetic, epigenetic, and developmental factors required for temporal specification of the skin and the interdependence of hair follicle, skull and craniofacial development.