Complex Changes in the Apoptotic and Cell Differentiation Programs During Initiation of the Hair Follicle Response to Chemotherapy

The study from December 1, 2014, focused on the molecular changes in human hair follicles in response to chemotherapy, particularly the effects of doxorubicin (DXR). The research utilized an ex vivo model of human scalp hair follicles and conducted a global microarray analysis 3 hours after DXR treatment. It revealed alterations in the expression of 504 genes, including upregulation of apoptotic receptors and keratin-associated protein genes. The study demonstrated that TRAIL receptor signaling and caspase-8 are involved in mediating chemotherapy-induced hair loss, as their inhibition significantly reduced DXR-induced apoptosis in hair follicles. Additionally, the study highlighted the complex reorganization of cell differentiation programs in hair follicle keratinocytes following chemotherapy. The findings suggest that early responses of hair follicles to chemotherapy are critical and provide a basis for future research to develop treatments to prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss. The study involved hair follicles from five different female individuals, indicating a relatively small sample size.