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Multi-Omics Insights Into Androgenetic Alopecia
Sponsor: The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College
Summary
This study utilizes a multi-omics approach to systematically characterize the cellular heterogeneity and spatial architecture of the hair follicle microenvironment in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Our primary aim is to elucidate the key mechanisms driving hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) exhaustion and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Investigators will collect six groups of scalp tissue samples, which include healthy controls and AGA patients (stratified into younger and older cohorts). By integrating spatial transcriptomics, single - cell sequencing data, investigators will map aberrant cell subpopulations and their complex interaction networks. Furthermore, the identified core targets will be functionally validated using patient-derived organoids and animal models. Expected outcomes include the identification of 3-5 critical cell subpopulations and the discovery of 8-10 disease-associated targets. Additionally, investigators will establish an integrated clinical-omics-validation database, providing a robust theoretical foundation for the precision diagnosis and treatment of AGA.
Official title: Multi-Omics Analysis of the Hair Follicle Microenvironment in Androgenetic Alopecia for Mechanistic Study and Target Identification
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
20 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
12
Start Date
2026-03-08
Completion Date
2027-03
Last Updated
2026-06-15
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Collection of ~2 × 12 mm scalp tissue
In the AGA group, scalp tissue samples were concurrently harvested from the affected balding area (vertex, Hamilton-Norwood III vertex) and an unaffected non-balding area (the central occipital region along the interauricular line). In healthy controls, scalp tissue was harvested solely from the occipital region.
Single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptome sequencing
Spatial Transcriptomics Sequencing Samples were embedded in OCT, cryosectioned (10 μm), fixed with methanol, and subjected to H\&E staining. After permeabilization (14 min) and RNA capture, libraries were constructed and sequenced on the Xenium platform (sequencing depth ≥ 5 million reads per sample). Single-Cell Sequencing Samples were minced and enzymatically digested using Collagenase IV, Dispase II, and DNAse I, followed by erythrocyte lysis, filtering, and resuspension. Single-cell suspensions were prepared with a cell viability ≥ 90% and a clump rate \< 5%. Sequencing was performed on the 10x Genomics platform (sequencing depth ≥ 10,000 reads per cell).
Locations (1)
The First Affiliated Hospiatl of Henan Medical University
Xinxiang, Henan, China