Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and Proteomic Analysis of Dermal Fibroblasts Cultured From Female Scalp Identifies Significant Alterations in Cell Populations With Age
dermal fibroblasts single-cell RNA sequencing proteomic analysis fibrosis senescence collagen synthesis collagen elastic fiber formation autophagy metabolism hair follicles age-related changes female hair growth DFs RNA sequencing protein analysis aging elastic fibers cell recycling energy use hair roots aging changes women's hair growth
TLDR Aging changes scalp cells, possibly affecting hair health in older women.
This study investigated the age-related molecular and functional changes in scalp dermal fibroblasts (DFs) from female donors aged 21–77 years. Single-cell RNA sequencing of 16,166 DF cells from young (n = 3) and older (n = 3) donors revealed 11 transcriptionally distinct clusters, with a significant increase in cells associated with fibrosis, senescence, and collagen synthesis in older individuals. Proteomic analysis of DF cellular proteins from four donors in each age group identified 11 proteins with significant differences in expression between the two age groups. Two proteins were reduced, while nine were elevated in the older cohort. These changes suggest alterations in key pathways such as collagen and elastic fiber formation, autophagy, and metabolism. The study concludes that aging leads to a loss of scalp DF cell signature and identity, potentially impairing the dermal environment's ability to support healthy hair follicles and contributing to age-related changes in female hair growth.
