Devices and genomic therapies

Key points

Using clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein 9, hair follicles with high steroid type II 5α-reductase enzyme activity can be genetically altered into follicles with suppressed SRD5A2 enzyme activity, theoretically allowing hair follicles to grow new hairs for a lifetime, without side effects.
High-efficiency delivery of therapeutic proteins and genetic elements to target cells in the hair follicle is achieved with cutting-edge nanoparticle carrier systems.
Small interfering RNA and microRNA regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level and can be used to reduce the production of proteins involved in androgenetic alopecia pathogenesis.

Introduction

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is an arduous disease for both providers and patients. Over the last few decades, numerous topical, intralesional, oral, and surgical therapies have been developed. However, many of these therapies offer incomplete or temporary improvement and are associated with serious adverse effects, leaving patients frustrated and dissatisfied with disease management. ^,

There is an unmet medical need for tolerable and effective AGA therapies. Currently, there are several innovative therapies being investigated to overcome the aforementioned limitations. Additionally, the cellular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of AGA are being elucidated to uncover new potential therapeutic targets and treatment strategies. This chapter explores several emerging hair-loss therapies including CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein 9) gene editing, small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and tissue engineering.

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