726 The Wnt-inhibitor Dkk4 is required for primary hair follicle induction and patterning

Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of pattern hair loss, characterized by miniaturized hair follicles (HFs) at the front and parietal scalp, while hairs on the occipital scalp are preserved. Moreover, different sites of the human body exhibit distinct types and patterns of HFs. Understanding the molecular basis of this heterogeneity will help to design targeted treatment strategies. The Wnt signalling pathway and its Dickkopf (Dkk) inhibitors have been suggested to regulate HF induction and patterning.