TLDR The protein EZH2 blocks microRNA-22, increasing STK40 protein, which helps hair follicle stem cells change and grow hair.
In 2020, researchers Bingjie Cai, Min Li, Yunpeng Zheng, and others conducted a study investigating the role of the protein EZH2 in hair follicle stem cell differentiation. They found that EZH2 inhibits microRNA-22, leading to an increase in the expression of STK40, a protein involved in cell differentiation. This process was found to be crucial for hair growth. The study also discovered that miR-22 inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of hair follicle stem cells by downregulating STK40 and suppressing MEF2-ALP activity. The findings were supported by various tests and suggested that manipulating these molecular pathways could potentially be used to treat hair loss conditions. However, the researchers noted that more detailed studies should be conducted for further exploration in the clinical setting.
242 citations,
February 2016 in “Science” Hair loss and aging are caused by the breakdown of a key protein in hair stem cells.
52 citations,
May 2015 in “PLOS Genetics” miR-22, a type of microRNA, controls hair growth and its overproduction can cause hair loss, while its absence can speed up hair growth.
43 citations,
December 2013 in “Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology” Genetic mutations can cause hair growth disorders by affecting key genes and signaling pathways.
95 citations,
May 2012 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Androgens block hair growth by disrupting cell signals; targeting GSK-3 may help treat hair loss.
85 citations,
April 2012 in “PLOS ONE” Valproic Acid helps regrow hair in mice and activates a hair growth marker in human cells.
56 citations,
February 2012 in “Cell Cycle” MicroRNAs are crucial for controlling skin development and healing by regulating genes.
11 citations,
October 2021 in “Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology” Non-coding RNAs are important for hair growth and could lead to new hair loss treatments, but more research is needed.
12 citations,
October 2021 in “Cells” Targeting a protein that blocks hair growth with microRNAs could lead to new hair loss treatments, but more research is needed.
5 citations,
September 2021 in “Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology” Dihydrotestosterone treatment on 2D and 3D-cultured skin cells slows down hair growth by affecting certain genes and could be a potential target for hair loss treatment.
September 2023 in “Animals” Genes linked to wool fineness in sheep have been identified.
21 citations,
May 2022 in “Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology” Hair growth and health are influenced by factors like age, environment, and nutrition, and are controlled by various molecular pathways. Red light can promote hair growth, and understanding these processes can help treat hair-related diseases.
