Corticosterone Inhibits GAS6 to Govern Hair Follicle Stem-Cell Quiescence

    March 2021 in “ Nature ”
    Sekyu Choi, Bing Zhang, Sai Ma, Meryem Gonzalez-Celeiro, Daniel Stein, Xin Jin, Seung Tea Kim, Yuan-Lin Kang, Antoine Besnard, Amélie Rezza, Laura Grisanti, Jason D. Buenrostro, Michael Rendl, Matthias Nahrendorf, Amar Sahay, Ya‐Chieh Hsu
    Image of study
    TLDR Stress hormone corticosterone blocks a growth factor to slow down hair stem cell activity and hair growth.
    In a study from March 31, 2021, researchers found that the stress hormone corticosterone, which is the rodent equivalent of cortisol in humans, plays a significant role in regulating hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) activity and hair growth in mice. The absence of corticosterone led to an increase in HFSC regeneration cycles, while chronic stress and elevated corticosterone levels caused prolonged HFSC quiescence and an extended resting phase for hair follicles. The hormone achieves this by suppressing the expression of Gas6, a gene responsible for producing growth arrest specific 6, a factor that promotes HFSC activation. When Gas6 expression was restored, it counteracted the stress-induced inhibition of HFSC activation and hair growth. This study highlights corticosterone as a key systemic inhibitor of HFSC activity, affecting the hair follicle niche and suggesting that managing stress or manipulating Gas6 expression could potentially be targeted for hair growth therapies.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    17 / 17 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 40 results

      community Trying to understand finasteride side effects and post finasteride syndrome

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  69 upvotes 5 years ago
      The conversation discusses the side effects of finasteride, including low libido and erectile dysfunction, and the possibility of these effects being permanent, known as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Some users report personal experiences with PFS and debate whether the condition is real, with varying opinions on the reversibility of side effects and the role of individual biology.

      community DHT levels after 4 weeks of Fina and 8 weeks of Fina + 4 weeks of Duta

      in Update  35 upvotes 6 years ago
      The user reported early stage diffuse hair thinning and increased DHT levels after 4 weeks on Finasteride and 8 weeks on Finasteride plus 4 weeks on Dutasteride, despite the medications being authentic and stored properly. They are considering increasing their Dutasteride dosage due to the lack of side effects and are unsure if the treatment is helping their hair.

      community Betnovate Scalp for hair loss?

      in Product  2 upvotes 2 years ago
      A dermatologist prescribed Betnovate scalp, a corticosteroid, for a 21-year-old male's hair loss due to DHT. The individual is considering using Nizoral shampoo, topical finasteride, a derma roller, and minoxidil, but is unsure about the effectiveness of two other products suggested by the dermatologist.

      community One Year Progress (Topical Fin/Min)

      in Progress Pictures  154 upvotes 8 months ago
      The user experienced significant hair regrowth over a year using topical finasteride (0.1%) and minoxidil (7%), along with Ketoconazole shampoo, and recently switched to dutasteride and plans to add oral minoxidil. They managed side effects like oily skin and itchiness with a corticosteroid and chose topical treatments initially to limit systemic exposure.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results