3-Hydroxypropionic Acid Enhances Hair Growth-Related Signaling in Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells via Activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

February 2026 in “ International Journal of Molecular Sciences ”

Chae Young Jeon, Yun Hoo Jo, Seung A. Woo, Yura Lee, Woochul Jung, Dong Wook Shin

3-hydroxypropionic acid Wnt/β-catenin pathway human follicle dermal papilla cells oxidative stress reactive oxygen species mitochondrial function hair follicle regeneration IGF-1 WNT10B DKK-1 3-HP Wnt pathway ROS insulin-like growth factor 1

TLDR 3-Hydroxypropionic acid may help treat hair loss by promoting hair growth in cells.

This study demonstrates that 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) enhances hair growth-related functions in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, particularly under oxidative stress conditions. 3-HP improves cell viability, reduces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and supports mitochondrial function, which are essential for hair follicle regeneration. It also modulates gene expression by upregulating IGF-1 and WNT10B while reducing DKK-1 levels. These findings suggest that 3-HP could be a promising therapeutic agent for hair loss treatment, though further in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

65 / 65 results

research Revolutionary Approaches to Hair Regrowth: Follicle Neogenesis, Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling, and Emerging Therapies

May 2025 in “Cells”

New hair regrowth therapies show promise but need more research.

Iris Germanica L. Rhizome-Derived Exosomes Ameliorated Dihydrotestosterone-Damaged Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells Through the Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

research Iris Germanica L. Rhizome-Derived Exosomes Ameliorated Dihydrotestosterone-Damaged Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells Through the Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

April 2025 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Iris-exosomes may help treat hair loss by activating hair growth pathways.

research Recent Advances in Drug Development for Hair Loss

April 2025 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

New treatments for hair loss show promise with advanced therapies and better targeting.

research Anti-Hair Loss Effect of Veratric Acid on Dermal Papilla Cells

March 2025 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Veratric Acid may help promote hair growth and reduce hair loss.

research Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Astragalus Sinicus Extracts in Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells

January 2025 in “Cosmetics”

Astragalus sinicus extracts may help promote hair growth and treat hair loss.

research Hair Regeneration Methods Using Cells Derived From Human Hair Follicles and Challenges to Overcome

December 2024 in “Cells”

Current hair regeneration methods show promise but face challenges in maintaining cell effectiveness and creating the right environment for hair growth.

research Hair Growth Promoting Effects of 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase Inhibitor in Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells

July 2024 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

The inhibitor DPP can promote hair growth.

research Oxidative Stress in Hair Follicle Development and Hair Growth: Signaling Pathways, Intervening Mechanisms and Potential of Natural Antioxidants

41 citations , June 2024 in “Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine”

Natural antioxidants may help prevent hair loss by reducing oxidative stress.

research Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Hydrodistillate and Its Major Component Damulin B Promote Hair Growth via the Wnt/Beta-Catenin Pathway

March 2024 in “Nutrients”

Gynostemma pentaphyllum and its component damulin B could help hair grow by activating certain cell pathways.

research Phloroglucinol Enhances Anagen Signaling and Alleviates H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

March 2024 in “Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology”

Phloroglucinol may help improve hair loss by promoting hair growth and reducing oxidative stress.

research Dickkopf-Related Protein 2 Promotes Hair Growth by Upregulating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

6 citations , January 2024 in “Annals of Dermatology”

Dickkopf-related Protein 2 can help hair grow by activating a specific cell pathway.

research Signaling Pathways in Hair Aging

November 2023 in “Frontiers in cell and developmental biology”

Hair aging is caused by stress, hormones, inflammation, and DNA damage affecting hair growth and color.

research Expression of Concern: Dermal Papilla Cell-Secreted Biglycan Regulates Hair Follicle Phase Transition and Regeneration by Activating Wnt/β-Catenin

6 citations , November 2023 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Biglycan helps regulate hair growth and regeneration.

research In Vitro Hair Growth-Promoting Effect of Lgr5-Binding Octapeptide in Human Primary Hair Cells

October 2023 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

A synthetic octapeptide may help promote hair growth and counteract hair loss.

The Formulation and In-Vitro Evaluation of WS Biotin, a Novel Encapsulated Form of D-Biotin with Improved Water Solubility for Hair and Skin Treatment Applications

research The Formulation and In-Vitro Evaluation of WS Biotin, a Novel Encapsulated Form of D-Biotin with Improved Water Solubility for Hair and Skin Treatment Applications

October 2023 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

WS Biotin, a new form of D-Biotin, improves water solubility and shows potential for hair and skin care without being toxic at low levels.

research Tetrathiomolybdate Decreases the Expression of Alkaline Phosphatase in Dermal Papilla Cells by Increasing Mitochondrial ROS Production

2 citations , February 2023 in “International journal of molecular sciences”

Tetrathiomolybdate reduces hair growth marker in skin cells by boosting harmful oxygen molecules, but effects can be reversed.

research Cellular Senescence: Ageing and Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2023 in “Dermatology”

Ageing and increased senescent cells significantly contribute to common hair loss.

research The Molecular Mechanism of Natural Products Activating Wnt/Beta-Catenin Signaling Pathway for Improving Hair Loss

November 2022 in “Life”

Natural products may help treat hair loss by promoting hair growth with fewer side effects.

research Regenerative Medicine Strategies for Hair Growth and Regeneration: A Narrative Review of Literature

8 citations , October 2022 in “Regenerative Therapy”

New regenerative treatments for hair loss show promise but need more research for confirmation.

research Hair-Growth-Promoting Effects of the Fish Collagen Peptide in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and C57BL/6 Mice Modulating Wnt/Beta-Catenin and BMP Signaling Pathways

October 2022 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Fish collagen peptides can significantly promote hair growth.

research 3D Spheroid Human Dermal Papilla Cell as an Effective Model for the Screening of Hair Growth Promoting Compounds: Examples of Minoxidil and 3,4,5-Tri-O-Caffeoylquinic Acid (TCQA)

2 citations , June 2022 in “Cells”

3D cell cultures are better for testing hair growth treatments than 2D cultures.

research Anti-Hair Loss Effect of Adenosine Is Exerted by cAMP Mediated Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Stimulation via Modulation of GSK3β Activity in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

March 2022 in “Molecules”

Adenosine can help treat hair loss by promoting hair growth.

research Minoxidil-Loaded Hyaluronic Acid Dissolving Microneedles to Alleviate Hair Loss in an Alopecia Animal Model

12 citations , February 2022 in “Acta Biomaterialia”

Minoxidil-loaded hyaluronic acid microneedles can effectively increase hair growth and could be a promising treatment for hair loss.

research Observations Suggesting a Contribution of Altered Dermal Papilla Mitochondrial Function to Androgenetic Alopecia

4 citations , February 2022 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Hair loss in men might be linked to changes in cell energy factories.

research Niacinamide Down-Regulates the Expression of DKK-1 and Protects Cells from Oxidative Stress in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

1 citations , October 2021 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Vitamin B3 may help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth by protecting scalp cells from stress and reducing hair growth-blocking proteins.

Hair Growth Stimulation Effect of Centipeda Minima Extract: Identification of Active Compounds and Anagen-Activating Signaling Pathways

research Hair Growth Stimulation Effect of Centipeda Minima Extract: Identification of Active Compounds and Anagen-Activating Signaling Pathways

14 citations , July 2021 in “Biomolecules”

Centipeda minima extract helps hair grow by activating important growth signals and could be a promising hair loss treatment.

research Dermal Papilla Cells and Melanocytes Response to Physiological Oxygen Levels Depends on Their Interactions

7 citations , June 2021 in “Cell Proliferation”

Low oxygen levels improve the function of hair and skin cells when they are in direct contact.

research Functional Hair Follicle Regeneration: An Updated Review

42 citations , February 2021 in “Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy”

Hair follicle regeneration possible, more research needed.

research Myristoleic Acid Promotes Anagen Signaling by Autophagy Through Activating Wnt/β-Catenin and ERK Pathways in Dermal Papilla Cells

8 citations , February 2021 in “Biomolecules & therapeutics”

Myristoleic acid helps hair growth by boosting cell growth and recycling processes in hair follicle cells.

research Nonanal Stimulates Growth Factors via Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP) Signaling in Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells

8 citations , October 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Nonanal from fruits and vegetables promotes hair growth by increasing growth factors.

research HNG, A Humanin Analogue, Promotes Hair Growth By Inhibiting Anagen-To-Catagen Transition

13 citations , June 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

HNG helps hair grow by keeping hair in the growth phase longer.

Polygonum Multiflorum Extract Supports Hair Growth by Elongating Anagen Phase and Abrogating the Effect of Androgen in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

research Polygonum Multiflorum Extract Supports Hair Growth by Elongating Anagen Phase and Abrogating the Effect of Androgen in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

15 citations , May 2020 in “BMC complementary medicine and therapies”

Polygonum multiflorum extract helps hair grow longer and fights the effects of hormones that cause hair loss.

research Culture and Differentiation of Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells in a Soft 3D Self-Assembling Peptide Scaffold

29 citations , April 2020 in “Biomolecules”

The 3D scaffold helped maintain hair cell traits and could improve hair loss treatments.

Pantothenic Acid Promotes Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation in Hair Follicles of American Minks via Inhibitor of DNA Binding 3/Notch Signaling Pathway

research Pantothenic Acid Promotes Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation in Hair Follicles of American Minks via Inhibitor of DNA Binding 3/Notch Signaling Pathway

11 citations , April 2020 in “Life sciences”

Pantothenic acid helps mink hair follicles grow by affecting certain cell signals.

Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Increase the Expression of Anagen-Related Molecules in Human Dermal Papilla Cells via GSK-3β/ERK/Akt Signaling Pathway

research Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Increase the Expression of Anagen-Related Molecules in Human Dermal Papilla Cells via GSK-3β/ERK/Akt Signaling Pathway

7 citations , January 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Low-frequency electromagnetic fields can boost molecules related to hair growth in human skin cells.

research Optimal Stimulation Toward the Dermal Papilla Lineage Can Be Promoted by Combined Use of Osteogenic and Adipogenic Inducers

2 citations , November 2019 in “FEBS open bio”

Combining specific inducers helps dermal papilla cells regain hair-forming ability.

research Overexpression of Alkaline Phosphatase Improves the Hair-Inductive Capacity of Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Spheres

13 citations , July 2019 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Increasing alkaline phosphatase in human skin cells helps to grow more hair.

research Stimulation of Hair Growth by Small Molecules That Activate Autophagy

88 citations , June 2019 in “Cell reports”

Certain small molecules can promote hair growth by activating a cellular cleanup process called autophagy.

Bacillus/Trapa Japonica Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate Enhances Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation via the Akt/ERK/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway

research Bacillus/Trapa Japonica Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate Enhances Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation via the Akt/ERK/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway

10 citations , May 2019 in “BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine”

The extract from Bacillus/Trapa japonica fruit helps increase hair growth and could be a potential treatment for hair loss.

Lactoferrin Promotes Hair Growth in Mice and Increases Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation Through Erk/Akt and Wnt Signaling Pathways

research Lactoferrin Promotes Hair Growth in Mice and Increases Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation Through Erk/Akt and Wnt Signaling Pathways

18 citations , April 2019 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Lactoferrin helps mice grow hair by increasing cell growth and hair follicle development.

research Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Mediates Ebastine-Induced Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation

4 citations , February 2019 in “BioMed Research International”

Ebastine may promote hair regrowth by increasing cell growth through the ERK pathway.

research The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

134 citations , December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.

research Hair-Growth Potential of Ginseng and Its Major Metabolites: A Review on Its Molecular Mechanisms

52 citations , September 2018 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Ginseng and its compounds may help hair growth and prevent hair loss, but more human trials are needed to confirm this.

research Review of Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells as In Vitro Screening Model for Hair Growth

76 citations , August 2018 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

Dermal Papilla cells are a promising tool for evaluating hair growth treatments.

research Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Is Involved in Hair Growth-Promoting Effect of 655-nm Red Light and LED in In Vitro Culture Model

19 citations , February 2018 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

Red light and LED treatments help hair grow by activating a specific cell signaling pathway.

research Oxidative Stress Management in the Hair Follicle: Could Targeting NRF2 Counter Age-Related Hair Disorders and Beyond?

30 citations , July 2017 in “BioEssays”

Activating NRF2 might help treat hair disorders by improving antioxidant defenses.

research Stress-Induced Premature Senescence of Dermal Papilla Cells Compromises Hair Follicle Epithelial-Mesenchymal Interaction

35 citations , January 2017 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Stress can cause early aging in certain skin cells, leading to problems with hair growth.

research A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss

78 citations , January 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Biotin supplements may improve hair and nail growth in people with certain deficiencies or conditions, but there's not enough evidence to recommend it for healthy individuals.

research Oxidative Damage Control in a Human Mini-Organ: Nrf2 Activation Protects Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Hair Growth Inhibition

58 citations , October 2016 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Activating Nrf2 protects human hair follicles from oxidative stress and helps prevent hair growth inhibition.

research Collagenase IV Plays an Important Role in Regulating Hair Cycle by Inducing VEGF, IGF-1, and TGF-Beta Expression

27 citations , September 2015 in “Drug Design Development and Therapy”

Collagenase IV is crucial for hair growth by affecting key growth factors.

research Oxidative Stress-Associated Senescence in Dermal Papilla Cells of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

93 citations , February 2015 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Oxidative stress affects hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia.

research Modulating Hair Follicle Size with Wnt10b/DKK1 During Hair Regeneration

53 citations , April 2014 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Wnt10b makes hair follicles bigger, but DKK1 can reverse this effect.

research Identification of MicroRNAs Involved in Growth Arrest and Cell Death in Hydrogen Peroxide-Treated Human Dermal Papilla Cells

12 citations , April 2014 in “Molecular Medicine Reports”

Targeting specific miRNAs may help treat hair follicle issues caused by hydrogen peroxide.

research Exogenous IGF-1 Promotes Hair Growth by Stimulating Cell Proliferation and Downregulating TGF-β1 in C57BL/6 Mice In Vivo

53 citations , March 2014 in “Growth Hormone & IGF Research”

IGF-1 injections help mice grow more hair by increasing cell growth and blocking a hair growth inhibitor.

research Cold X5 Hairlaser Used to Treat Male Androgenic Alopecia and Hair Growth: An Uncontrolled Pilot Study

15 citations , February 2014 in “BMC Research Notes”

The X5 Hairlaser might help treat male hair loss, but more research is needed.

research VEGF165 Modulates Proliferation, Adhesion, Migration, and Differentiation of Cultured Human Outer Root Sheath Cells from Central Hair Follicle Epithelium Through VEGFR-2 Activation In Vitro

35 citations , October 2013 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

VEGF165 influences hair follicle cell growth and movement through VEGFR-2 activation.

Microenvironmental Reprogramming by Three-Dimensional Culture Enables Dermal Papilla Cells to Induce De Novo Human Hair-Follicle Growth

research Microenvironmental Reprogramming by Three-Dimensional Culture Enables Dermal Papilla Cells to Induce De Novo Human Hair-Follicle Growth

256 citations , October 2013 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America”

Growing human skin cells in a 3D environment can stimulate new hair growth.

research Low-Level Laser Therapy for Treatment of Hair Loss

165 citations , August 2013 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

Low-Level Laser Therapy is effective and safe for hair growth with minimal side effects.

research Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Multicenter Trial

106 citations , April 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Low-level light therapy safely improves hair growth and thickness for androgenetic alopecia.

research VEGF Upregulates VEGF Receptor-2 on Human Outer Root Sheath Cells and Stimulates Proliferation Through ERK Pathway

23 citations , June 2012 in “Molecular Biology Reports”

VEGF stimulates hair cell growth and increases growth receptor levels through a specific signaling pathway.

research Shh Maintains Dermal Papilla Identity and Hair Morphogenesis via a Noggin–Shh Regulatory Loop

138 citations , June 2012 in “Genes & Development”

Sonic hedgehog signaling is crucial for hair growth and maintaining hair follicle identity.

research VEGF Induces Proliferation of Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells Through VEGFR-2-Mediated Activation of ERK

120 citations , May 2012 in “Experimental Cell Research”

VEGF promotes hair follicle cell growth through the VEGFR-2/ERK pathway.

research Valproic Acid Induces Hair Regeneration in Murine Model and Activates Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

85 citations , April 2012 in “PLOS ONE”

Valproic Acid helps regrow hair in mice and activates a hair growth marker in human cells.

research L-Ascorbic Acid 2-Phosphate Represses Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Dickkopf-1 Expression in Human Balding Dermal Papilla Cells

13 citations , November 2010 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Vitamin C derivative reduces hair loss-related protein in cells.

research Dihydrotestosterone-Inducible Dickkopf 1 from Balding Dermal Papilla Cells Causes Apoptosis in Follicular Keratinocytes

171 citations , July 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

A substance called DKK-1 increases in balding areas and causes hair cells to die when exposed to DHT.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Biotin And Biotinidase Deficiency

166 citations , November 2008 in “Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Biotin and biotinidase are essential to prevent health issues, and deficiencies require lifelong supplementation.