De Novo Production of Dermal Papilla Cells During the Anagen Phase of the Hair Cycle

In 2010, Chi WY and colleagues conducted a study that demonstrated the recruitment of new cells to the dermal papilla (DP) during the early anagen phase of the hair cycle. The researchers used a mouse model and a specific genetic approach to track these cells, revealing that most hair follicles incorporate new cells into the DP during the anagen phase. The origin of these cells is likely the connective tissue sheath and possibly skin-derived precursor cells. This finding is significant as it provides insight into the maintenance and renewal of DP cells, which are typically a static population. Furthermore, it suggests a potential method to control hair diameter, given the previously established correlation between DP size, hair bulb diameter, and hair caliber.