Pilosebaceous-Related Diseases

Investigating the pathogenesis and targeted therapeutics for hair loss, hair graying, rosacea, acne, and related pilosebaceous disorders

We investigate the pathogenesis of pilosebaceous unit disorders—spanning alopecia, hair graying, rosacea, and acne. By integrating clinical cohorts, human hair follicle organ cultures, animal models, and single-cell omics, we translate mechanistic discoveries into targeted therapeutic strategies.

Within hair follicle biology, we elucidate the mechanisms driving alopecia and hair graying. Our translational efforts focus on developing targeted small-molecule drugs for hair regrowth and graying reversal, alongside establishing hair follicle reconstruction techniques utilizing human follicle and mesenchymal stem cells.

Concurrently, we characterize the complex immune-microbial-neurogenic interactions underlying skin inflammation. By identifying key inflammatory pathways and therapeutic targets, we design novel, targeted interventions for rosacea, acne, and related conditions.

2026

  2. Image for Metabolite-gated vascular contractility switch: OXGR1 activation mechanism enables agonist therapy for rosacea erythema

    Metabolite-gated vascular contractility switch: OXGR1 activation mechanism enables agonist therapy for rosacea erythema

    W. Xiao, Y. Zhu, X. Tang, K. Zhu, W. Zhang, M. Chen, K. Cai, S. Xu, Z. Wu, M. Wang, J. Liu, L. Long, Z. Tan, A. Wu, S. Zhou, Z. Zhao, Y. Tang, Y. Huang, B. Wang, F. Liu, Q. Wang, F. Yang, D. Jian, W. Shi, H. Xie, X. Chen, L. Guo, Z. Deng, J. Sun, and J. Li
    Cell. 2026. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2026.01.036
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  4. Image for Single-cell transcriptomics reveals hair growth retardation mediated by aberrant connective tissue sheath contraction in male androgenetic alopecia

    Single-cell transcriptomics reveals hair growth retardation mediated by aberrant connective tissue sheath contraction in male androgenetic alopecia

    G. Li, L. Yang, S. Duan, M. Chen, Y. Zhang, F. Liu, Y. Wang, J. Li, S. Xu, Z. Wu, M. Wang, B. Wang, Z. Zhao, W. Shi, M. Lei, H. Xie, Y. Tang, Z. Deng, and J. Li
    Nature communications. 2026. doi:10.1038/s41467-026-70153-4
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  6. Image for A derivative of tanshinone alleviates rosacea-like skin inflammation by modulating the IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway in keratinocytes

    A derivative of tanshinone alleviates rosacea-like skin inflammation by modulating the IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway in keratinocytes

    K. Xia, Z. Tan, X. Tang, M. Chen, Z. Deng, J. Li, H. Luo, J. Dong, Y. Zhu, S. Xu, and D. Jian
    Biochemical and biophysical research communications. 2026. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.153208
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2025

  2. Image for Arginine Metabolic Disruption Impairs Hair Regeneration via ROS-Mediated Inactivation of mTOR Signaling in Androgenetic Alopecia

    Arginine Metabolic Disruption Impairs Hair Regeneration via ROS-Mediated Inactivation of mTOR Signaling in Androgenetic Alopecia 1

    S. Duan, G. Li, Y. Chu, J. Zhang, L. Yang, Y. Zhang, F. Liu, J. Li, M. Chen, B. Wang, Z. Zhao, W. Shi, Y. Zhang, G. Deng, X. Kuang, H. Xie, Y. Cheng, Z. Deng, J. Li, and Y. Tang
    Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany). 2025. doi:10.1002/advs.202504579
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  4. Image for Regenerative Hair Pigmentation via Skin Organoids: Adaptive Patterning Mediated by Collagen VI and Semaphorin 3C

    Regenerative Hair Pigmentation via Skin Organoids: Adaptive Patterning Mediated by Collagen VI and Semaphorin 3C 5

    T. Li, X. Li, X. Xiang, J. Huang, X. Shen, M. Wang, J. Jiang, S. Shao, Z. Li, T. Xie, D. Liu, Y. Zhao, R. Ma, W. Wu, W. Shi, C. Chuong, J. Li, and M. Lei
    Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany). 2025. doi:10.1002/advs.202502436
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  6. Image for Keratin 6A promotes skin inflammation through JAK1-STAT3 activation in keratinocytes

    Keratin 6A promotes skin inflammation through JAK1-STAT3 activation in keratinocytes 8

    M. Chen, Y. Wang, M. Wang, S. Xu, Z. Tan, Y. Cai, X. Xiao, B. Wang, Z. Deng, and J. Li
    Journal of biomedical science. 2025. doi:10.1186/s12929-025-01143-9
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  8. Image for Novel Molecular Subtyping Revealed Molecular Pathways That Contribute to the Pathogenesis of Rosacea

    Novel Molecular Subtyping Revealed Molecular Pathways That Contribute to the Pathogenesis of Rosacea

    X. Hu, L. Liu, Y. Huang, Y. Zhang, H. Zhao, H. Zhao, Y. Guo, H. Xie, Z. Deng, M. Chen, and J. Li
    The Journal of dermatology. 2025. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.17798
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  10. Image for Exploring Novel Biomarkers for Rosacea Through Cohort Study and Mendelian Randomisation

    Exploring Novel Biomarkers for Rosacea Through Cohort Study and Mendelian Randomisation

    R. Mao, F. Wang, T. Zhang, and J. Li
    Experimental dermatology. 2025. doi:10.1111/exd.70161
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  12. Image for Naturally-occurring carnosic acid as a promising therapeutic agent for skin inflammation via targeting STAT1

    Naturally-occurring carnosic acid as a promising therapeutic agent for skin inflammation via targeting STAT1 4

    A. Wu, Y. Wang, R. Mao, Z. Tan, S. Xu, J. Long, Q. Wang, Z. Zhao, H. Xie, Z. Deng, J. Li, and M. Chen
    Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2025.156442
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  14. Image for 17β-Estradiol promotes LL37-induced rosacea-like skin inflammation via G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 30

    17β-Estradiol promotes LL37-induced rosacea-like skin inflammation via G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 30 2

    J. Tang, P. Chen, C. Huang, W. Wang, B. Wang, W. Shi, Y. Tang, Z. Deng, Y. Zhang, J. Li, and D. Jian
    Journal of dermatological science. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jdermsci.2025.05.005
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  16. Image for Targeting the STAT3/IL-36G signaling pathway can be a promising approach to treat rosacea

    Targeting the STAT3/IL-36G signaling pathway can be a promising approach to treat rosacea 41

    X. Meng, Y. Zhong, X. Kuang, Y. Zhang, L. Yang, Y. Cai, F. Wang, F. He, H. Xie, B. Wang, and J. Li
    Journal of advanced research. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.013
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  18. Oxidative stress mediated by the NOX2/ROS/NF-κB signaling axis is involved in rosacea 10

    Y. Wang, L. Long, M. Chen, and J. Li
    Archives of dermatological research. 2025. doi:10.1007/s00403-025-03898-5
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2024

  2. Impaired Angiogenesis and Th1/Th17 Polarization: A Possible Explanation for the Decreased Incidence of Rosacea in the Aged 2

    J. Long, Z. Deng, M. Chen, and T. Liu
    Immunity, inflammation and disease. 2024. doi:10.1002/iid3.70108
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  4. Probiotics suppress LL37 generated rosacea-like skin inflammation by modulating the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway 19

    X. Qi, Y. Xiao, X. Zhang, Z. Zhu, H. Zhang, J. Wei, Z. Zhao, J. Li, and T. Chen
    Food & function. 2024. doi:10.1039/d4fo03083d
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  6. Pyroptosis-related gene signature elicits immune response in rosacea 6

    X. Hu, S. Zheng, R. Mao, Q. Zhang, X. Wan, Y. Zhang, J. Li, R. Yang, and K. Xiong
    Experimental dermatology. 2024. doi:10.1111/exd.14812
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  8. Mouse model of a long-term rosacea-like skin inflammation 1

    X. Hu, Y. Chang, S. Zheng, J. Zhang, H. Zhao, Y. Guo, Y. Hao, T. Wang, Y. Liu, J. Feng, Y. Zhang, and J. Li
    Archives of dermatological research. 2024. doi:10.1007/s00403-024-03301-9
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  10. Image for Single-cell transcriptomics reveals aberrant skin-resident cell populations and identifies fibroblasts as a determinant in rosacea

    Single-cell transcriptomics reveals aberrant skin-resident cell populations and identifies fibroblasts as a determinant in rosacea 16

    M. Chen, L. Yang, P. Zhou, S. Jin, Z. Wu, Z. Tan, W. Xiao, S. Xu, Y. Zhu, M. Wang, D. Jian, F. Liu, Y. Tang, Z. Zhao, Y. Huang, W. Shi, H. Xie, Q. Nie, B. Wang, Z. Deng, and J. Li
    Nature communications. 2024. doi:10.1038/s41467-024-52946-7
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  12. Image for High-sensitive sensory neurons exacerbate rosacea-like dermatitis in mice by activating γδ T cells directly

    High-sensitive sensory neurons exacerbate rosacea-like dermatitis in mice by activating γδ T cells directly 16

    Y. Zhang, T. Li, H. Zhao, X. Xiao, X. Hu, B. Wang, Y. Huang, Z. Yin, Y. Zhong, Y. Li, and J. Li
    Nature communications. 2024. doi:10.1038/s41467-024-50970-1
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  14. Image for SERPINB3/B4 Is Increased in Psoriasis and Rosacea Lesions and Has Proinflammatory Effects in Mouse Models of these Diseases

    SERPINB3/B4 Is Increased in Psoriasis and Rosacea Lesions and Has Proinflammatory Effects in Mouse Models of these Diseases 5

    W. Xiao, K. Sha, M. Wang, Z. Tan, Y. Wang, S. Xu, Z. Zhao, Q. Wang, H. Xie, M. Chen, Z. Deng, and J. Li
    The Journal of investigative dermatology. 2024. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2024.04.011
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  16. Image for Twin defect-rich Pt ultrathin nanowire nanozymes alleviate inflammatory skin diseases by scavenging reactive oxygen species

    Twin defect-rich Pt ultrathin nanowire nanozymes alleviate inflammatory skin diseases by scavenging reactive oxygen species 27

    H. Zhao, H. Zhao, M. Li, Y. Tang, X. Xiao, Y. Cai, F. He, H. Huang, Y. Zhang, and J. Li
    Redox biology. 2024. doi:10.1016/j.redox.2024.103055
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  18. Image for Integrated Omics Reveal the Molecular Characterization and Pathogenic Mechanism of Rosacea

    Integrated Omics Reveal the Molecular Characterization and Pathogenic Mechanism of Rosacea 11

    Y. Zhang, Y. Huang, B. Wang, W. Shi, X. Hu, Y. Wang, Y. Guo, H. Xie, W. Xiao, and J. Li
    The Journal of investigative dermatology. 2024. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2023.05.028
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  20. Image for Quercetin attenuates inflammation in rosacea by directly targeting p65 and ICAM-1

    Quercetin attenuates inflammation in rosacea by directly targeting p65 and ICAM-1 8

    X. Meng, Y. Li, F. Wang, T. Li, B. Wang, Q. Wang, J. Long, H. Xie, Y. Zhang, and J. Li
    Life sciences. 2024. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122675
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2023

  2. GBP5 exacerbates rosacea-like skin inflammation by skewing macrophage polarization towards M1 phenotype through the NF-κB signalling pathway 70

    L. Zhou, H. Zhao, H. Zhao, X. Meng, Z. Zhao, H. Xie, J. Li, Y. Tang, and Y. Zhang
    Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV. 2023. doi:10.1111/jdv.18725
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  4. TLR7 promotes skin inflammation via activating NFκB-mTORC1 axis in rosacea 13

    Y. Huang, D. Liu, M. Chen, S. Xu, Q. Peng, Y. Zhu, J. Long, T. Liu, Z. Deng, H. Xie, J. Li, F. Liu, and W. Xiao
    PeerJ. 2023. doi:10.7717/peerj.15976
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  6. Image for Targeting Aquaporin-3 Attenuates Skin Inflammation in Rosacea

    Targeting Aquaporin-3 Attenuates Skin Inflammation in Rosacea 16

    M. Chen, Q. Peng, Z. Tan, S. Xu, Y. Wang, A. Wu, W. Xiao, Q. Wang, H. Xie, J. Li, W. Shi, and Z. Deng
    International journal of biological sciences. 2023. doi:10.7150/ijbs.86207
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  8. Acne and COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization, and severity: A genetic correlation study

    R. Mao, Z. Fan, M. He, and J. Li
    Journal of medical virology. 2023. doi:10.1002/jmv.29265
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2022

  2. Current research and clinical trends in rosacea pathogenesis 33

    X. Hu, Z. Li, D. Zhang, Y. Yang, S. Zheng, Q. Zhang, X. Wan, J. Li, R. Yang, and K. Xiong
    Heliyon. 2022. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10874
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  4. Lithocholic acid promotes rosacea-like skin inflammation via G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 15

    W. Xiao, M. Chen, Q. Peng, K. Sha, T. Liu, J. Xia, H. Xie, J. Li, S. Xu, and Z. Deng
    Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular basis of disease. 2022. doi:10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166563
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  6. Regulation and dysregulation of hair regeneration: aiming for clinical application 10

    Z. Yue, F. Yang, J. Zhang, J. Li, and C. Chuong
    Cell regeneration (London, England). 2022. doi:10.1186/s13619-022-00122-x
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  8. Image for Aberrant amino acid metabolism promotes neurovascular reactivity in rosacea

    Aberrant amino acid metabolism promotes neurovascular reactivity in rosacea 24

    T. Liu, W. Xiao, M. Chen, R. Mao, X. San, Q. Peng, Z. Zhao, Q. Wang, H. Xie, Z. Deng, and J. Li
    JCI insight. 2022. doi:10.1172/jci.insight.161870
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  10. Image for Hedgehog signaling reprograms hair follicle niche fibroblasts to a hyper-activated state

    Hedgehog signaling reprograms hair follicle niche fibroblasts to a hyper-activated state 80

    Y. Liu, C. F. Guerrero-Juarez, F. Xiao, N. U. Shettigar, R. Ramos, C. Kuan, Y. Lin, L. Jesus Martinez Lomeli, J. M. Park, J. W. Oh, R. Liu, S. Lin, M. Tartaglia, R. Yang, Z. Yu, Q. Nie, J. Li, and M. V. Plikus
    Developmental cell. 2022. doi:10.1016/j.devcel.2022.06.005
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  12. Image for Aging-Conferred SIRT7 Decline Inhibits Rosacea-Like Skin Inflammation by Modulating Toll-Like Receptor 2‒NF-κB Signaling

    Aging-Conferred SIRT7 Decline Inhibits Rosacea-Like Skin Inflammation by Modulating Toll-Like Receptor 2‒NF-κB Signaling 28

    G. Li, X. Tang, S. Zhang, Z. Deng, B. Wang, W. Shi, H. Xie, B. Liu, and J. Li
    The Journal of investigative dermatology. 2022. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2022.03.026
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  14. Image for Nav1.8 in keratinocytes contributes to ROS-mediated inflammation in inflammatory skin diseases

    Nav1.8 in keratinocytes contributes to ROS-mediated inflammation in inflammatory skin diseases 59

    Y. Zhang, Y. Li, L. Zhou, X. Yuan, Y. Wang, Q. Deng, Z. Deng, S. Xu, Q. Wang, H. Xie, and J. Li
    Redox biology. 2022. doi:10.1016/j.redox.2022.102427
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  16. Image for Androgen Receptor-Mediated Paracrine Signaling Induces Regression of Blood Vessels in the Dermal Papilla in Androgenetic Alopecia

    Androgen Receptor-Mediated Paracrine Signaling Induces Regression of Blood Vessels in the Dermal Papilla in Androgenetic Alopecia 85

    Z. Deng, M. Chen, F. Liu, Y. Wang, S. Xu, K. Sha, Q. Peng, Z. Wu, W. Xiao, T. Liu, H. Xie, and J. Li
    The Journal of investigative dermatology. 2022. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2022.01.003
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  18. Image for N2-Polarized Neutrophils Reduce Inflammation in Rosacea by Regulating Vascular Factors and Proliferation of CD4+ T Cells

    N2-Polarized Neutrophils Reduce Inflammation in Rosacea by Regulating Vascular Factors and Proliferation of CD4+ T Cells 35

    Z. Zhao, T. Liu, Y. Liang, W. Cui, D. Li, G. Zhang, Z. Deng, M. Chen, K. Sha, W. Xiao, H. Xie, and J. Li
    The Journal of investigative dermatology. 2022. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2021.12.009
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  20. Image for Neuroimmune Interaction: A Widespread Mutual Regulation and the Weapons for Barrier Organs

    Neuroimmune Interaction: A Widespread Mutual Regulation and the Weapons for Barrier Organs 17

    Y. Zhu, S. Duan, M. Wang, Z. Deng, and J. Li
    Frontiers in cell and developmental biology. 2022. doi:10.3389/fcell.2022.906755
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2021

  2. A positive feedback loop between mTORC1 and cathelicidin promotes skin inflammation in rosacea 103

    Z. Deng, M. Chen, Y. Liu, S. Xu, Y. Ouyang, W. Shi, D. Jian, B. Wang, F. Liu, J. Li, Q. Shi, Q. Peng, K. Sha, W. Xiao, T. Liu, Y. Zhang, H. Zhang, Q. Wang, L. Sun, H. Xie, and J. Li
    EMBO molecular medicine. 2021. doi:10.15252/emmm.202013560
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  4. Aspirin alleviates skin inflammation and angiogenesis in rosacea 21

    Z. Deng, S. Xu, Q. Peng, K. Sha, W. Xiao, T. Liu, Y. Zhang, B. Wang, H. Xie, M. Chen, and J. Li
    International immunopharmacology. 2021. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107558
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  6. Image for Keratinocyte-Immune Cell Crosstalk in a STAT1-Mediated Pathway: Novel Insights Into Rosacea Pathogenesis

    Keratinocyte-Immune Cell Crosstalk in a STAT1-Mediated Pathway: Novel Insights Into Rosacea Pathogenesis 49

    Z. Deng, F. Liu, M. Chen, C. Huang, W. Xiao, S. Gao, D. Jian, Y. Ouyang, S. Xu, J. Li, Q. Shi, H. Xie, G. Zhang, and J. Li
    Frontiers in immunology. 2021. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.674871
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  8. Image for Exploring metformin as a candidate drug for rosacea through network pharmacology and experimental validation

    Exploring metformin as a candidate drug for rosacea through network pharmacology and experimental validation 28

    Y. Li, L. Yang, Y. Wang, Z. Deng, S. Xu, H. Xie, Y. Zhang, and J. Li
    Pharmacological research. 2021. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105971
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  10. Image for mTORC1-Mediated Angiogenesis is Required for the Development of Rosacea

    mTORC1-Mediated Angiogenesis is Required for the Development of Rosacea 20

    Q. Peng, K. Sha, Y. Liu, M. Chen, S. Xu, H. Xie, Z. Deng, and J. Li
    Frontiers in cell and developmental biology. 2021. doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.751785
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2020

  2. Hair regeneration after epidermal peeling 1

    Z. Wang, J. Luo, and J. Li
    European journal of dermatology : EJD. 2020. doi:10.1684/ejd.2020.3744
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  4. Haplopelma hainanum venom induces inflammatory skin lesions 1

    Z. Deng, Y. Wang, W. Shi, L. Zhou, S. Xu, J. Li, and Y. Zhang
    PeerJ. 2020. doi:10.7717/peerj.8264
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  6. Platelet factor 4 inhibits human hair follicle growth and promotes androgen receptor expression in human dermal papilla cells 7

    K. Sha, M. Chen, F. Liu, S. Xu, B. Wang, Q. Peng, Y. Zhang, H. Xie, J. Li, and Z. Deng
    PeerJ. 2020. doi:10.7717/peerj.9867
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Central South University Xiangya Hospital Li Lab Skin Aging and Hair Regeneration Research Center