How Gut Bacteria Affect Hair Loss in Alopecia Areata
Influence of the Microbiome on the Natural History of Alopecia Areata
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 ID | NIH-10814252 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christiano, Angela M — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Christiano, Angela M
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 below.