The down regulated genes include those involved in melanin synthesis and melanocyte development (TYRP1, PMEL, DCT, TYR, MLANA, and MC5R), neural crest cell development (PLP1, SYN2) and lipid and surfactant metabolism (ACOT1, ACOT2, ACOT4, ACOX2, ACSBG1, ACSM3, ACSM6, PCSK2, and SFPTC), consistent with death of melanocytes, and disturbance of lipid metabolism in vitiligo lesions. This evidence concerns the gene DCT and vitiligo.