Multi-Layered Environmental Regulation on the Homeostasis of Stem Cells: The Saga of Hair Growth and Alopecia

February 2012 in “ Journal of Dermatological Science ”

Chih-Chiang Chen, Cheng Ming Chuong

hair stem cell homeostasis stem cell niche adipose tissue molecules hormones immune system nervous system aging circadian rhythms seasonal changes alopecia Wnt inhibitors PDGFA sex hormones fat tissue molecules body clock hair loss

Studysummary This review discusses the multiple layers of environmental controls on hair stem cell homeostasis and suggests that targeting these layers could offer safer regenerative medicine therapies without directly using stem cells. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document from April 1, 2012, reviews the regulation of hair stem cell homeostasis by various environmental factors. It emphasizes that hair stem cell activity is influenced by both the immediate micro-environment, or stem cell niche, and broader macro-environmental factors such as adipose tissue molecules, hormones, immune and nervous system interactions, aging, circadian rhythms, and seasonal changes. The study suggests that these complex environmental networks could be targeted to develop therapies for hair growth and alopecia, potentially offering a safer alternative to direct stem cell manipulation. It also discusses specific factors like Wnt inhibitors, PDGFA, sex hormones, and the roles of the immune and nervous systems in stem cell regulation. The paper concludes that a multi-layered network of environmental factors regulates stem cell activity, and understanding this could lead to new treatments for tissue regeneration and degenerative diseases.

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Research cited in this study

18 / 18 results

research The Circadian Molecular Clock Creates Epidermal Stem Cell Heterogeneity

293 citations , November 2011 in “Nature”

This study found that the circadian clock regulates the activation state of murine epidermal stem cells, affecting tissue homeostasis and susceptibility to tumorigenesis when disrupted.

research Adipocyte Lineage Cells Contribute to the Skin Stem Cell Niche to Drive Hair Cycling

499 citations , September 2011 in “Cell”

This study found that intradermal adipocyte lineage cells in mice are necessary and sufficient to activate follicular stem cells, highlighting their role in regulating skin stem cell activity.

research Nerve-Derived Sonic Hedgehog Defines a Niche for Hair Follicle Stem Cells Capable of Becoming Epidermal Stem Cells

396 citations , May 2011 in “Cell stem cell”

This study found that Shh from neurons signals to Gli1-expressing cells in the hair follicle, cultivating a niche where these bulge cells can potentially transform into epidermal stem cells in wound healing.

research Self-Organizing and Stochastic Behaviors During the Regeneration of Hair Stem Cells

176 citations , April 2011 in “Science”

This study found that in a population of hair follicles, regenerative cycling stages are regulated by both intrinsic and extrinsic signals, with WNT/BMP signaling mediating interactions among follicles for adaptability.

research Receptor Activator of NF-κB Stimulates the Proliferation of Epithelial Cells of the Epidermo-Pilosebaceous Unit

60 citations , March 2011 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America”

This study found that RANK-RANKL signaling regulates hair renewal and epidermal homeostasis in mice, revealing its role in initiating hair growth cycles and maintaining skin cell activity.

Bald Scalp in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Retains Hair Follicle Stem Cells but Lacks CD200-Rich and CD34-Positive Hair Follicle Progenitor Cells

research Bald Scalp in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Retains Hair Follicle Stem Cells but Lacks CD200-Rich and CD34-Positive Hair Follicle Progenitor Cells

235 citations , January 2011 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

This study found that androgenetic alopecia may involve a defect in the conversion of hair follicle stem cells to progenitor cells, as demonstrated by a reduced presence of progenitor cells in bald scalp samples.

research Analyses of Regenerative Wave Patterns in Adult Hair Follicle Populations Reveal Macro-Environmental Regulation of Stem Cell Activity

64 citations , January 2009 in “The International journal of developmental biology”

This study found that intra-follicular Wnt signaling and dermal BMP signaling oscillate differently during hair cycling in mice, affecting hair wave propagation and phases of hair growth.

research Seasonality of Hair Shedding in Healthy Women Complaining of Hair Loss

37 citations , January 2009 in “Dermatology”

This study reports that hair growth and shedding in healthy women show annual seasonal patterns, with the highest shedding in summer and a less pronounced peak in spring.

research Complex Hair Cycle Domain Patterns and Regenerative Hair Waves in Living Rodents

127 citations , December 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This review examines regenerative hair waves and complex hair cycle domains in transgenic mice, highlighting how these dynamic processes contribute to skin regeneration and the physiological regulation of organs, but reports no new experimental results.

research Hormonal Regulation of Hair Follicles Exhibits a Biological Paradox

98 citations , February 2007 in “Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology”

This review explores the hormonal regulation of hair growth and changes with season, age, and sexual development, and calls for improved treatments for hair disorders.

research The Modulation of Aromatase and Estrogen Receptor Alpha in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells by Dexamethasone: A Novel Mechanism for Selective Action of Estrogen via Estrogen Receptor Beta?

65 citations , May 2006 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that dexamethasone significantly reduced ERα mRNA levels and increased aromatase mRNA and activity in cultured human hair follicle dermal papilla cells, suggesting a glucocorticoid-dependent mechanism for estradiol action.

research Stem Cells and Their Niches

1549 citations , March 2006 in “Science”

This review discusses the stem cell niche concept in mammalian systems and reports no new clinical results, highlighting recent progress and identifying important unanswered questions.

research Defining the Impact of Beta-Catenin/Tcf Transactivation on Epithelial Stem Cells

384 citations , June 2005 in “Genes & development”

This study found that stabilized beta-catenin is crucial for activating stem cell transition from quiescence to proliferation in hair follicles by influencing gene expression within the stem cell niche.

The Distribution of Estrogen Receptor Beta Is Distinct to That of Estrogen Receptor Alpha and the Androgen Receptor in Human Skin and the Pilosebaceous Unit

research The Distribution of Estrogen Receptor Beta Is Distinct to That of Estrogen Receptor Alpha and the Androgen Receptor in Human Skin and the Pilosebaceous Unit

130 citations , June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This study found that estrogen receptor beta, not alpha, is the main mediator of estrogen action in human skin and hair follicles, suggesting a distinct role in these tissues.

research Expression of mRNA for Androgen Receptor, 5α-Reductase, and 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

63 citations , November 1999 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This study observes the expression of mRNA for androgen receptor, 5α‐reductase, and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in human dermal papilla cells.

research Balding Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells Contain Higher Levels of Androgen Receptors Than Those From Non-Balding Scalp

227 citations , January 1998 in “Journal of Endocrinology”

This study found that dermal papilla cells from balding scalp hair follicles have significantly higher levels of androgen receptors than those from non-balding follicles, supporting their in vivo androgen response.

research The Role of Prolactin in the Reactivation of Hair Follicles in Relation to Moulting in Cashmere Goats

62 citations , December 1994 in “Journal of Endocrinology/Journal of endocrinology”

In this study, administrating ovine prolactin accelerated secondary hair follicle reactivation and moulting in cashmere goats, while bromocriptine delayed these processes.

research Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells From Androgen-Dependent Human Hair Follicles Contain More Androgen Receptors Than Those From Non-Balding Areas Of Scalp

124 citations , April 1992 in “Journal of Endocrinology/Journal of endocrinology”

This study observed that cells from androgen-sensitive areas like the beard and scrotum showed higher androgen receptor levels compared to those from non-balding scalp areas, supporting the role of dermal papilla in follicle growth responses to androgens.