Androgens Trigger Different Growth Responses in Genetically Identical Human Hair Follicles in Organ Culture Reflecting Their Epigenetic Diversity in Life

In a series of studies conducted between 2017 and 2018, researchers explored the effects of androgens on genetically identical human hair follicles, focusing on the epigenetic diversity that leads to different growth responses. They used hair follicles from healthy Caucasian women, with one study involving 22 women and others involving groups of 6 women with an average age around 59 years. The studies consistently found that intermediate facial hair follicles increased their growth in response to testosterone, a response mediated by androgen receptors, while terminal follicles did not respond to androgens. The intermediate follicles expressed approximately four times more androgen receptor gene than terminal follicles. These findings suggest that intermediate follicles could be a useful model for understanding androgen signaling and developing treatments for hormone-dependent conditions. The research also indicated the potential relevance of these findings to other areas such as developmental processes, stem cell manipulation, and tissue engineering.