Fibroblast Growth Factor-7 and Hair Biology: Bridging Basic Science and Therapeutic Applications

January 2026 in “ Current Issues in Molecular Biology ”

Huey-Chun Huang, Wang-Ju Hsieh, Ivona Percec, Tsong-Min Chang

TLDR FGF-7 helps hair grow by activating hair follicles and is a promising target for hair loss treatments.

Fibroblast Growth Factor-7 (FGF-7) is a promising target for hair regeneration therapies due to its role in promoting hair follicle transition from the telogen to anagen phase and enhancing follicular regeneration. It is secreted by dermal papilla cells and activates the FGFR2b receptor on keratinocytes, triggering signaling pathways that promote keratinocyte proliferation and stem cell activation. Studies in animals and human scalp tissues show that FGF-7 accelerates hair growth and works synergistically with other growth factors like IGF-1 and VEGF. While topical FGF-7 has shown a good safety profile, systemic use requires careful monitoring. Future research aims to improve delivery systems and explore gene or mRNA-based therapies, positioning the FGF-7/FGFR2b axis as a key focus for developing new hair loss treatments.

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