Epidermal Growth Factor Promotes Proliferation and Migration of Follicular Outer Root Sheath Cells via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

The study concluded that Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) promoted the proliferation and migration of follicular outer root sheath (ORS) cells via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, suggesting EGF as a potential therapeutic agent for hair growth and regeneration. EGF at concentrations of 2-20 ng/ml significantly enhanced ORS growth, while higher concentrations inhibited it. EGF treatment increased ORS cell proliferation, migration, and upregulated follicle-regulatory genes such as Survivin, Msx2, and SGK3. Blocking the Wnt/β-catenin pathway with XAV-939 reduced these effects, highlighting the pathway's crucial role in hair follicle development and cycling.