Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Visualizing Scar Development Using SCAD Assay - An Ex-situ Skin Scarring Assay
Published on: April 28, 2022
D2-40 expression in primary scarring and nonscarring alopecia
Meera Mahalingam1, Mai P Hoang
1Dermatopathology Section, Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA. mmahalin@bu.edu
Scarring alopecia may involve D2-40 expression changes in the outer root sheath, potentially linked to stem cell damage. Further research is needed to clarify the role of the Fos-podoplanin axis in hair follicle development and scarring alopecia.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Scarring alopecia pathogenesis involves stem cell damage.
- D2-40 antibody highlights podoplanin in the outer root sheath's basal cell layer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate D2-40 expression in scarring and nonscarring alopecia.
- To explore the potential role of podoplanin in alopecia etiopathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 52 alopecia cases (33 scarring, 19 nonscarring).
- Immunohistochemical staining using D2-40 antibody.
- Comparison of D2-40 expression patterns between scarring and nonscarring alopecia.
Main Results:
- D2-40 expression patterns differed between scarring and nonscarring alopecia.
- Increased D2-40 expression was observed in the infundibular region of some scarring alopecia cases.
- No definitive correlation between D2-40 expression and specific histologic diagnoses was found due to diagnostic heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- D2-40 expression may be altered in scarring alopecia, suggesting a potential role in pathogenesis.
- The Fos-podoplanin axis is a potential area for future research in scarring alopecia.
- Further studies are required to elucidate the role of the Fos-podoplanin axis in normal hair follicle development and alopecia.
Related Concept Videos
Multipotency and Niche of Bulge Stem Cell
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Healing II: Complications
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
