Faculty Opinions Recommendation of GDNF Promotes Hair Formation and Cutaneous Wound Healing by Targeting Bulge Stem Cells

The study by Lisse TS et al. demonstrated that the neurotrophic growth factor GDNF played a crucial role in the bulge region of hair follicles, where stem cells are located. GDNF was found to be essential for the normal hair cycle, including growth and replacement. Overexpression of GDNF led to accelerated epidermal wound healing and the generation of new hair in areas that typically remained hairless after skin injury. This finding highlighted the potential of GDNF in promoting hair formation and enhancing cutaneous wound healing by targeting bulge stem cells.