Dynamic Expression Patterns of Tenascin, Proteoglycans, and Cell Adhesion Molecules During Human Hair Follicle Morphogenesis

SCUBE3, a protein linked to hair growth in moles, was discovered over 25 years ago and is being developed by Amplifica for potential hair loss treatment. Concerns exist about SCUBE3's association with cancer, as it is a protein that promotes cell growth, which could potentially trigger cancer development if used for hair growth therapy.

Hair loss may be influenced by mechanical tension and inflammation, with the hi-c5 protein amplifying androgen effects, leading to follicle miniaturization. Treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and scalp massages are suggested to manage hair loss.

Osteopontin, a protein involved in hair growth on moles, may help with hair loss. However, it is also linked to Alzheimer's, cancer, and bone development, so caution is advised.

A peptide from Japanese water chestnut fruit may help with hair loss by suppressing DHT's effect on hair follicle cell death, potentially serving as a finasteride alternative. The treatment's effectiveness and safety in humans remain uncertain.

MCL-1 protein may help maintain hair follicles in the growth phase and prevent miniaturization. There is interest in experimental treatments like exosomes, peptides, or stem cell serums to upregulate MCL-1 for hair loss, especially for those not using minoxidil or finasteride.

Amplifica is testing a compound called AMP-303 for hair loss, but it's not Scube3 or osteopontin. The timing for the results from the clinical trial is unknown.