Exosomal miRNA-218-5p From Low-Passage Dermal Papilla Cells Modulates Hair Follicle Growth and Development

The study explores the role of exosomal miRNA-218–5p from low-passage dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in hair follicle (HF) growth and development. It identifies miRNA-218–5p as a key regulator that enhances hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) proliferation and inhibits apoptosis, promoting HF growth through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In vitro experiments with Angora rabbit HF organ culture showed increased hair shaft length and upregulation of HF growth-related genes upon treatment with exosomal miRNA-218–5p. The findings suggest that miRNA-218–5p could be a biomarker and therapeutic target for hair disorders and wool production, although further in vivo studies are necessary to confirm its effectiveness.