Large-Scale Plasma Proteomics and Genetic Integration Uncover Novel Biological Pathways in Male Pattern Baldness

TL;DR

This study identifies new biological pathways and potential drug targets for male pattern baldness using large-scale proteomics and genetic data.

Contribution

The study integrates proteomics and genetics to reveal novel non-hormonal targets for male pattern baldness.

Findings

47 plasma proteins were significantly associated with MPB severity, linked to hair cycle and epidermis pathways.

Five candidate genes (CD38, FGF5, TACSTD2, DPEP1, PLB1) were prioritized through multi-omic integration.

CD38 was confirmed as a druggable target with low pleiotropy in balding scalp tissue.

Abstract

Male pattern baldness (MPB) is a highly prevalent condition with a complex, poorly understood molecular basis that limits therapeutic innovation. This study aimed to bridge the gap between statistical genetic associations and biological function by identifying and prioritizing causal proteins and pathways involved in MPB. Using data from 24,069 men in the UK Biobank, we performed a proteome-wide association study of 2911 plasma proteins with self-reported MPB severity via multivariable ordinal logistic regression, adjusting for age, Body Mass Index (BMI), ethnicity, lifestyle, socioeconomic factors, and testosterone levels. Significant proteins underwent pathway enrichment analysis. Genetic integration included MAGMA for gene-level aggregation and tissue prioritization, transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) with GTEx models, conditional fine-mapping, and validation in an independent scalp biopsy transcriptomics dataset (GSE90594). Druggability and pleiotropy were evaluated using databases and phenome-wide association studies. Forty-seven proteins were significantly associated with MPB severity, enriched in pathways involving epidermis development, hair cycle regulation, and cell adhesion. Multi-omic integration prioritized five independent candidate genes: CD38, FGF5, TACSTD2, DPEP1, and PLB1. Transcriptomic validation confirmed differential expression in balding scalp for CD38 (upregulated) and TACSTD2, PLB1 (downregulated). CD38 was identified as druggable with low pleiotropic risks. This study elucidates the molecular architecture of MPB, revealing novel biological pathways beyond canonical androgen signaling. By prioritizing promising non-hormonal targets like CD38, our findings provide a robust, evidence-based framework to guide the development of future therapeutic interventions for this common condition.

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