Fibroblast Bioelectric Signaling Drives Hair Growth

The study explores how fibroblast bioelectric signaling, particularly through the potassium channel KCNJ2, influences hair growth. Researchers discovered that in patients with congenital generalized hypertrichosis terminalis, chromatin changes lead to increased KCNJ2 expression in dermal fibroblasts, resulting in continuous hair growth. This upregulation causes membrane hyperpolarization, which enhances Wnt signaling and lowers intracellular calcium levels, both essential for hair growth. The study indicates that fibroblast hyperpolarization is linked to the hair growth phase, while depolarization delays it. Notably, KCNJ2-mediated hyperpolarization can reverse hair loss in aging and androgenetic alopecia models, offering potential new treatments for hair loss.