Hair follicle bulge EMT and miRNA in cicatricial alopecia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Role of hair follicle bulge epithelial-mesenchymal transition and microRNA expression in the pathogenesis of cicatricial alopecia
IRAS ID
147770
Contact name
Matthew J Harries
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Research summary
Cicatricial (scarring) alopecias are a rare group of disorders that result in permanent hair loss with scarring of the scalp skin. The hair roots are damaged, and ultimately destroyed, by inflammation in the scalp skin. How this damage occurs is currently unknown.
One explanation is that hair follicle stem cells (located in an area of the hair follicle called the “bulge” region) change their behaviour and start to act in a different way. This change in cell behaviour is called “epithelial-mesenchymal transition”. Another explanation is that small genetic molecules (called microRNA) influence the genetic code within cells that affects how cells function.
The purpose of this study is to look for evidence that the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition is occurring in scarring hair loss. We will also be looking at various microRNAs and how they influence the hair follicle. These aims will be achieved by looking at different cell markers and signalling chemicals that are important in these processes. Scalp skin biopsies from areas of scarring hair loss will be compared with uninvolved scalp skin from the same person, along with scalp skin from normal controls. Different diseases that cause scarring alopecia will be examined.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0342
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion