Studying Hair Follicle Changes and Targets in Male Androgenetic Alopecia Using Multi-Omics Analysis

What this Trial Is About

This research focuses on androgenetic alopecia AGA, a common type of hair loss primarily caused by genetic factors and affecting a significant portion of the male population. The study aims to understand the cellular diversity and spatial structure of the hair follicle environment in AGA patients, especially looking at the mechanisms behind hair follicle stem cell exhaustion. Using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, the investigators seek to identify key cell subpopulations and molecular targets related to AGA. Participants include young and older males, both healthy controls and those diagnosed with AGA, divided into four groups based on age and disease status. Scalp tissue samples are collected from affected and unaffected areas for patients and from the occipital region for healthy controls. The study applies spatial transcriptomics and single-cell sequencing to analyze these samples, aiming to map abnormal cell populations and interactions. Findings will be validated using patient-derived organoids and animal models to identify potential therapeutic targets. Throughout the study, participants undergo scalp tissue sampling and provide samples for high-resolution molecular analyses. Researchers will assess tissue sample quality, including cell viability and RNA integrity, and measure the number of candidate biomarkers for hair loss diagnosis. The study will create an integrated clinical-omics-validation database to support precise diagnosis and treatment of AGA. Participation involves monitoring and sample collection over the study period, with primary outcomes assessed at enrollment, 30 days, and about 150 days after all samples are collected.

Multi-Omics Insights Into Androgenetic Alopecia