KRT6A derived from mesenchymal stem cells as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for alopecia areata: insights from multi-omics analysis and experimental evidence

This study identifies KRT6A, derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for alopecia areata (AA). Using multi-omics analysis, 146 MSCs-derived genes were initially identified, with KRT6A emerging as the most critical candidate. KRT6A was shown to be a robust diagnostic marker for AA, a predictor of disease severity, and a protective factor. It is primarily enriched in skin hair follicle tissues and is significantly downregulated in AA models. Experimental validation in AA mice demonstrated that KRT6A-overexpressing human hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (HFMSCs) enhanced migration and alleviated alopecia, while KRT6A knockdown had the opposite effect. This suggests that KRT6A could be pivotal in developing targeted therapeutic strategies for AA.