The Balance of BMP6 and WNT10B Regulates the Telogen-Anagen Transition of Hair Follicles

In the 2019 study by Wu et al., BMP6 and Wnt10b were identified as having opposing roles in hair follicle cycle regulation, with BMP6 inhibiting and Wnt10b activating the transition from telogen to anagen phase. The expression of BMP6 was higher in early anagen and its overexpression in mice led to a higher number of hair follicles remaining in telogen. In contrast, inhibiting BMP signaling with Noggin promoted the anagen phase. The study, which used 6 mice per experimental group, demonstrated that BMP6 suppresses Wnt10b expression and inhibits hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) activation and proliferation, suggesting a competitive regulatory mechanism between BMP6 and Wnt10b in hair follicle regeneration. This research, funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing, could inform the development of new hair loss treatments.