Effects of a Closed Space Environment on Gene Expression in Hair Follicles of Astronauts in the International Space Station

March 2016 in “ PloS one ”

Masahiro Terada, Masayuki Seki, Rika Takahashi, Shin Yamada, Akira Higashibata, Hideyuki J. Majima, Masamichi Sudoh, Chiaki Mukai, Noriaki Ishioka

gene expression hair follicles skin atrophy hair follicle cycle FGF18 hair growth skin health

Studysummary This study found that spaceflight alters gene expression in human hair follicles, with variations among astronauts, and suggests that spaceflight may inhibit cell proliferation in hair follicles.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study investigated the effects of a closed space environment on gene expression in hair follicles of astronauts aboard the International Space Station. It found that prolonged exposure to space conditions might induce skin atrophy and dysregulate the hair follicle cycle, similar to findings in space-flown mice. The results suggested that the space environment could impact hair growth and skin health, with potential implications for long-term space missions. The study's findings were consistent with previous research on the function of FGF18 in the hair cycle.

View this study on journals.plos.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

14 / 14 results

Skin Physiology in Microgravity: A 3-Month Stay Aboard ISS Induces Dermal Atrophy and Affects Cutaneous Muscle and Hair Follicles Cycling in Mice

research Skin Physiology in Microgravity: A 3-Month Stay Aboard ISS Induces Dermal Atrophy and Affects Cutaneous Muscle and Hair Follicles Cycling in Mice

48 citations , May 2015 in “NPJ microgravity”

In this study, mice exposed to prolonged space conditions demonstrated skin atrophy, altered hair follicle cycles, and significant changes in the gene expression associated with skin muscle health.

research Epidermal Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Regulates Adipocyte Differentiation via Secretion of Adipogenic Factors

130 citations , March 2014 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America”

This study found that in mice, epidermal Wnt/β-catenin signaling influences adipocyte differentiation and hair growth, suggesting its critical role in synchronizing adipogenesis with the hair growth cycle.

research Signaling Involved in Hair Follicle Morphogenesis and Development

223 citations , January 2014 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This article reviews the complex signaling pathways between epithelial and mesenchymal cells crucial for hair follicle morphogenesis, highlighting the Wnt pathway's role as a master regulator without reporting new experimental findings.

research Hair Cycle Resting Phase Is Regulated by Cyclic Epithelial FGF18 Signaling

158 citations , February 2012 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

FGF18 helps keep hair in its resting phase, affecting hair growth cycles.

research Effect of IGF-I on Hair Growth Is Related to the Anti-Apoptotic Effect of IGF-I and Up-Regulation of PDGF-A and PDGF-B

72 citations , January 2012 in “Annals of Dermatology”

In this study, IGF-I was shown to enhance human hair follicle growth, maintain the anagen phase, and increase expression of certain growth factors and anti-apoptotic markers.

research Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein Forms Part of the Connective Tissue of Normal Human Hair Follicles

14 citations , February 2011 in “Experimental dermatology”

This study identifies cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) as a key extracellular matrix component in human hair follicle cycling, potentially regulated by TGFβ signaling, and suggests its importance in normal hair follicle biology.

research Noninvasive Method for Assessing the Human Circadian Clock Using Hair Follicle Cells

166 citations , August 2010 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America”

This study reports a less invasive method for detecting human clock gene expression using hair follicle cells, which accurately reflects individual behavioral rhythms and suggests a time lag issue for rotating shift workers.

research PDGF Isoforms Induce and Maintain Anagen Phase of Murine Hair Follicles

136 citations , June 2006 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

This study found that injecting PDGF-AA and -BB into mouse skin immediately triggered the hair growth cycle's anagen phase, suggesting potential treatment options for certain types of alopecia.

research Extraction and Detection of mRNA from Horsehair

5 citations , January 2006 in “Journal of veterinary medical science”

This study found that small amounts of RNA present in horsehair roots can be used for molecular biological analysis, although detecting mRNA transcripts in the hair shaft is more challenging.

research Characterization and Isolation of Stem Cell-Enriched Human Hair Follicle Bulge Cells

550 citations , December 2005 in “The Journal of clinical investigation/The journal of clinical investigation”

This study found that bulge cells marked by CD200+ in human hair follicles show high colony-forming efficiency, suggesting successful enrichment of keratinocyte stem cells.

research The Biology of Hair Follicles

1113 citations , August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

This article discusses the biologic and psychosocial significance of hair, the current limitations in hair growth drugs, and anticipates future therapies based on advancing hair follicle research.

research The Secret Life of the Hair Follicle

745 citations , February 1992 in “Trends in genetics”

This article describes the potential role of various growth factors and molecules in regulating mammalian hair follicle development but does not present new experimental results.

research Hair Anatomy for the Clinician

139 citations , July 1991 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article discusses the structure of hair follicles and their significance in evaluating hair disorders, but it does not report any new research findings.

research Trichotillometry: The Quantitation of Hair Pluckability as a Method of Nutritional Assessment

17 citations , October 1981 in “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition”

This study found that individuals with protein-calorie malnutrition, especially those with kwashiorkor, required significantly less force to pluck hair compared to well-nourished patients.