DKK3–CKAP4 Signaling Drives Fibroimmune Remodeling and Hair Follicle Miniaturization in Androgenetic Alopecia

The study explores the DKK3–CKAP4 signaling axis in androgenetic alopecia (AGA), focusing on its role in hair follicle miniaturization and fibroimmune remodeling. Researchers found that DKK3, expressed in hair follicles, acts as a negative regulator of hair growth, with recombinant DKK3 suppressing hair regrowth in both mouse and human models. Neutralizing DKK3 or CKAP4 restored hair growth and reversed androgen-induced fibroimmune changes, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits. The study highlights that targeting the DKK3–CKAP4 axis could mitigate hair loss in AGA by reversing pathological changes without affecting DKK1-mediated Wnt regulation, offering a novel therapeutic strategy.