CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated VDR Knockout Plays an Essential Role in the Growth of Dermal Papilla Cells Through Enhanced Relative Genes

In 2019, researchers used the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing tool to modify the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) in dermal papilla cells of cashmere goats to understand its role in hair follicle formation. The study found that the absence of VDR significantly inhibited the growth of these cells and downregulated the expression of several genes related to hair follicle development (VGF, Noggin, Lef1, and β-catenin). The study concluded that VDR plays a crucial role in the growth of dermal papilla cells, enhancing Wnt signaling and promoting IGF-1 and Noggin expression, thereby influencing the development and periodic growth of hair follicles. This suggests that VDR could be a potential target for promoting hair growth and treating hair loss conditions such as alopecia.