Cell Movement in the Hair Follicle Dermis: More Than a Two-Way Street?

The study explored the relationship between dermal papilla (DP) and dermal sheath (DS) cells in hair follicles, revealing that DS cells, especially those in the dermal sheath cup (DSC), could induce hair follicle formation and integrate into existing follicles, challenging the view of DS cells as merely a reserve population. This suggested a potential role for DS cells in hair restoration, particularly in androgenetic alopecia, by converting small vellus follicles into larger terminal structures. The study also noted the dynamic interconversion between DS and DP cells during the hair cycle and proposed that DS cells might aid in dermal wound repair. However, it was suggested that while cell movement from the follicle to the dermis was possible, reverse movement was unlikely, and altered migration in androgenetic alopecia could lead to follicle miniaturization.