Hair Growth Induced by Blockade of Macrophage-Derived Oncostatin M and Downstream JAK-STAT5 Signaling in Hair Follicle Stem Cells

    E. Wang, Angela M. Christiano
    Image of study
    TLDR Blocking a specific immune cell signal can trigger hair growth.
    In the 2018 study by E Wang and A Christiano, it was found that hair growth can be induced by blocking the action of a cytokine called Oncostatin M (OSM), which is produced by a specific subset of macrophages in the skin. OSM acts through the JAK-STAT5 signaling pathway to maintain hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in a quiescent state. By conditionally ablating the OSM receptor (OSMRB) or STAT5 in mouse skin during the resting phase of the hair cycle, the researchers observed a significant shortening of this phase and an activation of HFSCs. Additionally, they discovered that depleting the macrophages that produce OSM, using various methods such as neutralizing antibodies or small-molecule inhibitors, resulted in hair growth and increased proliferation of HFSCs. This study highlights the role of immune cells in regulating HFSC quiescence and suggests potential new treatments for hair disorders involving arrested hair follicles by targeting cells outside the hair follicle itself.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    46 / 46 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Hair Growth Progress Reversed. Help.

      in Treatments  128 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      The user experienced hair regrowth with oral Minoxidil, dandruff shampoo, topical Nanoxidil, and Revita Shampoo but lost progress after stopping Nanoxidil temporarily. They are now using topical Nanoxidil and oral dutasteride but are experiencing increased shedding and are unsure whether to continue or revert to their original regimen.
      Hair Growth or Loss Tracking Tool

      community Hair Growth or Loss Tracking Tool

      in Research  141 upvotes 2 months ago
      A user is developing a tool to track hair density, aiming to help those using treatments like minoxidil. They seek feedback on the tool's usefulness and are considering a low-cost model to cover expenses.

      community Hair growth progress from chewable fin/min

      in Progress Pictures  171 upvotes 2 months ago
      The user experienced significant hair growth using Hims chewable tablets containing finasteride and minoxidil but switched to a topical spray due to side effects from finasteride. The user reported improved side effects after switching to the topical form and noted continued hair growth progress.

      community Hair growth and natural remedies? Are they worth of it ..

      in Treatment  1 upvotes 9 months ago
      The user discusses using Minoxidil and plans to start Finasteride for genetic hair loss. They also mention natural remedies like gold shilajit, moringa powder, a seed mixture, and cardio exercise, emphasizing that while these can help, Minoxidil and Finasteride are necessary.

      community Hair Growth Journey: 10 months

      in Progress Pictures  252 upvotes 11 months ago
      A 31-year-old who experienced severe hair loss during medical school tried various treatments, including topical and oral finasteride and minoxidil, but stopped due to side effects. They restarted treatment 10 months ago with a regimen including topical finasteride, minoxidil, retinoic acid, hydrocortisone, oral minoxidil, and light therapy, emphasizing the importance of consistency and skincare.

    Related Research

    5 / 5 results