Localization and Regulation of Cholesterol Transporters in the Human Hair Follicle: Mapping Changes Across the Hair Cycle

January 2021 in “ Histochemistry and Cell Biology ”

Megan A. Palmer, Eleanor Smart, Iain S. Haslam

cholesterol transporters ATP-binding cassette transporters ABCA1 ABCG1 ABCA5 SCARB1 hair cycle growth phase regression phase immunofluorescence microscopy free cholesterol hair bulb basement membrane Liver X receptor agonism lipid homeostasis hair disorders cholesterol transport proteins ABC transporters LXR agonism

Studysummary In this study, human hair follicles showed varying expression of cholesterol transport proteins during the hair cycle, suggesting a potential role of cholesterol in hair growth and cycling.

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The study investigated the role of cholesterol transporters in human hair follicles and their regulation across the hair cycle. It found that the expression of cholesterol transport proteins, specifically ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters like ABCA1, ABCG1, ABCA5, and SCARB1, decreased as hair follicles moved from the growth phase to the regression phase. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed differential expression of these transporters, and staining for free cholesterol highlighted significant cholesterol presence in the hair bulb's basement membrane. Liver X receptor agonism actively regulated ABCA1 and ABCG1 but not ABCA5 or SCARB1. These findings suggested that human hair follicles have the capacity for cholesterol transport and trafficking, indicating that further research could clarify the role of lipid homeostasis in hair disorders.

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