The role of vitamin D receptor signaling in hair follicle health and alopecia: Current understanding and therapeutic implications

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling plays a crucial role in hair follicle biology and represents a promising therapeutic target for various forms of alopecia. This review comprehensively examines the molecular mechanisms of VDR signaling in hair follicle development, cycling, and pathology. We discuss key molecular mechanisms of VDR-dependent gene regulation through chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, and recruitment of coregulatory complexes, which collectively regulate hair follicle homeostasis. Recent advances in understanding VDR genetic polymorphisms and their impact on treatment responses have provided new insights into personalized therapeutic approaches. The review explores current therapeutic strategies, from conventional vitamin D supplementation to emerging targeted delivery systems and combination therapies. We also analyze the challenges and limitations in current research, including the need for improved delivery systems and reliable biomarkers for treatment response prediction. The integration of molecular insights with clinical applications suggests promising directions for developing more effective, personalized treatments for various forms of alopecia. This comprehensive analysis underscores the significance of VDR-targeted approaches in the future management of hair disorders and highlights the importance of continued research in this field.