Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Inhibits Autophagy by Suppressing PTEN to Promote Apoptosis in Dermal Papilla Cells

April 2025 in “ Annals of Medicine ”

Wenzi Liang, Xiuwen Chen, Na Ni, Cui-Heng Zhuang, Zhiying Yu, Ziqing Xu, Yingshi Li, Changmin Lin, Keng Huang

corticotropin-releasing hormone CRH PTEN autophagy apoptosis dermal papilla cells DPCs PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway rapamycin stress-induced hair loss alopecia stress-related hair loss hair growth stress-related alopecia

TLDR CRH can cause hair loss by promoting cell death in hair growth cells.

The study explores the role of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in stress-related hair loss, focusing on its impact on dermal papilla cells (DPCs). CRH downregulates PTEN, suppressing autophagy and promoting apoptosis in DPCs, which are essential for hair growth. This is mediated through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The research, using a chronic unpredictable mild stress mouse model, suggests that overexpression of PTEN or using rapamycin to inhibit this pathway can enhance autophagy and reduce apoptosis, offering potential therapeutic strategies for stress-induced hair loss. The study underscores the significance of PTEN and autophagy in managing stress-related alopecia.

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