Identification of Novel Hair-Growth Inducers by Means of Connectivity Mapping

The study aimed to identify new hair growth inducers by analyzing gene expression during hair growth induction in mice treated with cyclosporin A (CsA). Using DNA microarray analysis, researchers observed changes in gene expression related to melanin biosynthesis, immune response, cell proliferation, and hair-specific keratins. By employing connectivity mapping (Cmap), they identified agents with similar gene signatures to CsA-treated mice. Fluphenazine, identified from the d 2 signature, successfully induced hair growth in vivo, and its effect was enhanced by iloprost from the d 4 signature. The study demonstrated that Cmap analysis effectively linked gene expression profiles to potential hair growth-inducing agents.