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

TLDR Environmental factors at different levels control hair stem cell activity, which could lead to new hair growth and alopecia treatments.

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

16 / 16 results

research The Circadian Molecular Clock Creates Epidermal Stem Cell Heterogeneity

293 citations, November 2011 in “Nature”

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

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Healthy women tend to lose more hair in July and April, and the least in February.

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

Mice hair growth patterns get more complex with age and can change with events like pregnancy or injury.

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

Androgens can both stimulate and cause hair loss, and understanding their effects is key to treating hair disorders.

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

384 citations, June 2005 in “Genes & development”

β-catenin is essential for stem cell activation and proliferation in hair follicles.

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”

Estrogen Receptor ß (ERß) is the main hormone controller in human skin and hair follicles, not Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) or the Androgen Receptor (AR).

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

Hair sensitivity to androgens is partly controlled by specific enzyme expressions in different hair areas.

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227 citations, January 1998 in “Journal of Endocrinology”

Cells from balding scalps have more androgen receptors than cells from non-balding scalps.

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”

Prolactin speeds up hair growth and moulting in cashmere goats.

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Beard hair follicles have more androgen receptors than non-balding scalp hair follicles.

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