Deep Hair Phenomics: Implications in Endocrinology, Development, and Aging

September 2024 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

Jasson Makkar, Jorge Flores, Mason Matich, Timothy Q. Duong, Sean Thompson, Yiqing Du, Isabelle Busch, Quan M Phan, Qīng Wáng, Kristen Delevich, Liam E. Broughton‐Neiswanger, Iwona M. Driskell, Ryan R. Driskell

hair fibers hormone signaling genetic modifications aging hair follicle endocrinological changes developmental changes hair phenotypes disease detection hair analysis hair strands hormones genetic changes hair roots hormonal changes hair types disease diagnosis hair study

Studysummary This study developed a deep learning-based tool to quantify individual hair fibers in mice, revealing distinct hair phenotypes linked to hormonal, genetic, and age-related factors, and suggesting its potential for new diagnostic methods through hair analysis. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study presents a deep learning-based tool for analyzing hair phenotypes in mice, focusing on the effects of hormonal, genetic, and aging factors on hair composition. It highlights the tool's ability to detect subtle changes in hair features, such as length, width, and color, which are not visible to the naked eye. The research demonstrates the tool's accuracy in measuring and classifying hair types, revealing significant variability and a continuum of hair types rather than distinct categories. The study also examines the role of dermal LEF1 in hair follicle development, finding that its absence affects hair cycle progression and type proportions. The findings suggest that this technology could enhance understanding of hair biology and serve as a noninvasive diagnostic tool, with implications for both human and veterinary medicine.

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Research cited in this study

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research The Use of 2D:4D Digit Ratio as a Predictor of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review

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In this review, the authors evaluated the potential of using the second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) as a predictor for androgenetic alopecia, suggesting future research directions but not reporting definitive results.

research Mechanical Stimulation of Human Hair Follicle Outer Root Sheath Cultures Activates Adjacent Sensory Neurons

2 citations , October 2023 in “Science advances”

In this study, researchers demonstrated that human hair follicle outer root sheath cells release ATP, serotonin, and histamine in response to mechanical stimulation, which subsequently activates surrounding sensory neurons.

research Cyclical Dermal Micro-Niche Switching Governs the Morphological Infradian Rhythm of Mouse Zigzag Hair

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In this study, researchers observed that the combination of hair progenitors and their micro-niche changes every three days in mouse zigzag hair, and disruptions in specific genes affected this rhythm, highlighting the importance of this periodic change for normal hair morphology.

research A Machine Learning Algorithm Applied to Trichoscopy for Androgenic Alopecia Staging and Severity Assessment

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This study developed a support vector machine model using trichoscopic patterns to accurately classify androgenic alopecia severity, with an accuracy of 94.3% in training and 90.0% in test datasets.

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This study developed a deep learning framework and quantitative model that accurately predict basic and specific classification in male androgenetic alopecia by analyzing trichoscopic images.

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The Dermal Papilla: An Instructive Niche for Epithelial Stem and Progenitor Cells in Development and Regeneration of the Hair Follicle

research The Dermal Papilla: An Instructive Niche for Epithelial Stem and Progenitor Cells in Development and Regeneration of the Hair Follicle

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research Dermal Papilla Cell Number Specifies Hair Size, Shape, and Cycling, and Its Reduction Causes Follicular Decline

211 citations , April 2013 in “Development”

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research Mesenchymal–Epithelial Interactions During Hair Follicle Morphogenesis and Cycling

300 citations , August 2012 in “Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology”

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research Epithelial Wnt Ligand Secretion Is Required for Adult Hair Follicle Growth and Regeneration

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In this study, researchers showed that Wnt ligands secreted by hair follicle epithelium are crucial for hair follicle regeneration and may be significant for treating hair disorders like alopecia.

research Epidermal Patterning and Induction of Different Hair Types During Mouse Embryonic Development

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research Sox2-Positive Dermal Papilla Cells Specify Hair Follicle Type in Mammalian Epidermis

338 citations , July 2009 in “Development”

This study demonstrates that Sox2-positive dermal papilla cells specify particular hair follicle types by showing heterogeneity in gene expression and pathway activation in these cells.

research Mice Expressing a Mutant KRT75 (K6hf) Allele Develop Hair and Nail Defects Resembling Pachyonychia Congenita

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92 citations , November 2006 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America”

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137 citations , September 2005 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America”

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