How Gut Bacteria Affect Hair Loss in Alopecia Areata
Official title: Influence of the Microbiome on the Natural History of Alopecia Areata
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10814252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how the bacteria in our gut might influence the progression of alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,426 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR079744-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10814252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with alopecia areata, including those with patchy hair loss, total scalp hair loss, or total body hair loss, may be ideal candidates for future related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose hair loss is not related to an autoimmune condition or the gut microbiome may not receive direct benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
What this research studies
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss. While genetics play a role, environmental factors are also important, and this project focuses on the gut microbiome as a potential trigger. We aim to understand how the complex community of bacteria in the intestines might affect the immune system and contribute to the development or worsening of alopecia areata. By looking at how these gut bacteria change over time, we hope to uncover new insights into this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat alopecia areata by targeting the gut microbiome.
How similar studies have gone: While the gut microbiome is increasingly linked to autoimmune diseases, this project is novel in its focus on longitudinal studies specifically for alopecia areata.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christiano, Angela M — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Christiano, Angela M
Related research
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This study is exploring a new gel treatment for people with alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss, to see if it can help stimulate hair regrowth in a safe and effective way.
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Using dupilumab to treat hair loss in children with alopecia areata
This study is looking at how a medication called dupilumab can help kids with alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss, by encouraging hair regrowth and making sure the treatment is safe and effective for them.
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Investigating the NKG2A pathway to treat hair loss in alopecia areata
This study is looking at alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss, and is exploring new ways to help by targeting certain immune cells; if you're dealing with this condition, you might have a chance to join trials testing these exciting new treatments.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.