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

The study investigates the role of biglycan, a protein secreted by dermal papilla cells, in hair follicle (HF) cycle regulation and regeneration, focusing on its interaction with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Using C57BL/6 and nude mice, researchers found that biglycan is highly expressed during the anagen phase of HFs and that its local injection delays catagen progression and promotes HF regeneration by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Additionally, biglycan knockdown inactivated this pathway in early-passage dermal papilla cells, while overexpression or incubation activated it in late-passage cells. These findings suggest that biglycan could be a potential target for treating hair loss diseases.