Disease-dependent accessibility of hair follicle compartments revealed by tape-strip transcriptomics

British Journal of Dermatology 2026

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Authors: Carmen Mochón-Jiménez, Irene Rivera-Ruiz, Pedro J Gómez-Arias, Juan de Luque-Fernández, Jesús Gay-Mimbrera, Juan Ruano
DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljag054
Cited by: 1
References: 7

Abstract

Tape-strip RNA sequencing is increasingly being used as a noninvasive approach to molecular profiling of inflammatory skin diseases, yet its anatomical reach in the human hair follicle (HF) remains unclear. By anchoring tape-strip transcriptomic data to a human HF atlas, we show that tape strips primarily capture surface-connected epithelial compartments, while deeper follicular programmes remain biopsy-dependent. Notably, alopecia areata uniquely expands follicular accessibility, enabling broader recovery of follicular inflammatory signatures.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Hair Growth and Disorders Skin and Cellular Biology Research Dermatology and Skin Diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
British Journal of Dermatology
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Volume
194
Issue
6
Pages
1159–1161
Publication date
11 February 2026
Language
EN