RecruitingNCT07603544

Multi-Omics Insights Into Androgenetic Alopecia

Multi-Omics Analysis of the Hair Follicle Microenvironment in Androgenetic Alopecia for Mechanistic Study and Target Identification

Sponsor

The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College

Enrollment

12 participants

Start Date

Mar 8, 2026

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA)

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.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin Age: 20 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Inclusion Criteria4

Age and Gender: Males aged 25-30 or 60-65 years.
Diagnosis: Patient Group: Diagnosed by a physician with Hamilton-Norwood Stage III androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Healthy Control Group: Healthy scalp with no signs of hair loss.
Medication and Treatment History: No use of anti-hair loss medications (e.g., minoxidil, finasteride), hormonal drugs, or scalp chemical treatments (perm or dye) within the last 6 months.
Informed Consent: Voluntarily signed and provided written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria6

Scalp Conditions: Presence of other types of alopecia (besides AGA) or active scalp diseases (e.g., psoriasis, dermatitis, infections).
Medical History: History of keloids or coagulation disorders.
Systemic Diseases: Major underlying conditions, including severe cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases, immune system disorders, or malignant tumors.
Allergies: Known hypersensitivity to local anesthetics.
Prior Clinical Trials: Participation in any other clinical trials within 3 months prior to screening.
Other Factors: Any other conditions deemed unsuitable for participation by the investigator.

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Interventions

OTHERCollection 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.

OTHERSingle-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).