The Cutaneous Epidermal Growth Factor Network: Can It Be Translated Clinically to Stimulate Hair Growth?

The document discussed the role of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in skin and hair follicle functions, highlighting its involvement in epidermal renewal, integrity, and hair growth stimulation. Blocking EGFR affected cellular functions like differentiation and proliferation, often leading to growth arrest and terminal differentiation of keratinocytes. This blockage could also influence the hair cycle, sometimes causing trichomegaly, particularly of the eyelashes. EGFR inhibitors, developed for cancer treatment, were noted to have side effects on hair growth, including a "wavy" hair phenotype. The study suggested that understanding the roles of EGF family ligands and receptors could lead to new hair loss management strategies.