TLDR A unique enzyme in guinea pig hair follicles helps form protein cross-links in hair.
The study identified two transglutaminases in the inner root sheaths of guinea pig hair follicles. One enzyme was similar to liver transglutaminase, while the other, more abundant enzyme was unique to hair follicles. This hair-follicle enzyme, with a molecular weight of 54,000, consisted of two identical subunits. It catalyzed the cross-linking of fibrin and fibrinogen through ε(γ-glutamyl)lysine bonds, suggesting its role in forming protein cross-links in hair.
125 citations
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February 1971 in “Biochemistry” Specific cross-linkages help make hair proteins stable and strong.
82 citations
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November 1959 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences”
January 2023 in “Karger Kompass. Dermatologie” Scientists are still unsure what triggers the immune system to attack hair follicles in Alopecia areata.
11 citations
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June 2022 in “Frontiers in immunology” New protein changes may be involved in the immune attack on hair follicles in alopecia areata.
125 citations
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February 1971 in “Biochemistry” Specific cross-linkages help make hair proteins stable and strong.
January 2017 in “Springer eBooks” The document explains various skin conditions and their treatments.
51 citations
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October 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Finasteride increases hair density in female androgenetic alopecia, but individual results may vary.
