Aging Processes Influence Keratin and KAP Expression in Human Hair Follicles

    May 2011 in “ Experimental Dermatology ”
    M. Giesen, Sabine Gruedl, Olaf Holtkoetter, Guido Fuhrmann, Andrea Koerner, Dirk Petersohn
    TLDR Aging causes changes in hair follicles, leading to weaker hair growth.
    The study investigated age-related changes in gene expression of structural proteins in human hair follicles by comparing two groups of volunteers, one below 25 years and another above 50 years. It was found that ageing was associated with a significant decline in the expression of certain hair keratins, specifically KRT33A and KRT34, and keratin-associated proteins (KAPs), particularly in the KAP4 family. These proteins are crucial for maintaining hair's mechanical properties and stability. The decline in their expression might contribute to changes in hair structure and strength observed with ageing. Further studies were suggested to explore the impact of these molecular changes on the ultrastructure and mechanical behavior of hair.
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