The Autophagy & Cell Death Team (aka the Death Squad) investigates the role of cellular death in the normal hair follicle cycle, and under perturbation in the context of Alopecia Areata disease pathogenesis. Cells undergo apoptosis in the regression phase of the hair cycle, catagen’ however, it is unclear whether autophagy contributes to this process. Additionally, as Alopecia Areata is viewed as the premature entry into catagen, we explore the role of autophagy and autophagy-related genes, STX17 and BCL2L11, in Alopecia Areata disease onset and progression. Our team is also interested in the role of senescence (permanent cell cycle arrest) in the hair follicle and age-related hair disorders.