TLDR Scientists successfully created and transplanted bioengineered hair follicles that function like natural ones, suggesting a new treatment for hair loss.
The study from May 28, 2012, explored the regeneration of hair follicles through bioengineered hair follicular unit transplantation. Researchers used embryonic skin-derived cells to create bioengineered hair follicle germs, which, when transplanted into mice, developed into histologically correct hair follicles that could undergo proper hair cycles and connect with host skin epithelium, nerves, and the arrector pili muscle. The bioengineered hair follicles were able to maintain stem cells for sustained hair cycling and exhibited growth and regression phases similar to natural follicles. This research suggests that bioengineered hair follicles could potentially serve as a new treatment for alopecia, replacing traditional hair restoration methods. The study was conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines and indicates that further development of in vitro culture systems could enhance clinical applications of hair regenerative therapies.
Cited in this study
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179 citations
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April 2012 in “Nature Communications” Regenerated fully functional hair follicles using stem cells, with potential for hair regrowth therapy.
396 citations
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May 2011 in “Cell stem cell” Nerve signals are crucial for hair follicle stem cells to become skin stem cells and help in wound healing.
49 citations
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September 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” The study found that bioengineered hair follicles work when using cells from the same species but have issues when combining human and mouse cells.
829 citations
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May 2007 in “Nature” Hair follicles can regrow in wounded adult mouse skin using a process like embryo development.
208 citations
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December 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Certain cells from hair follicles can create new hair and contribute to hair growth when implanted in mice.
86 citations
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May 2002 in “Journal of comparative neurology” Nerve growth in mouse skin and hair follicles happens in stages and is closely linked to hair development.
949 citations
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January 2001 in “Cell” Adult mouse skin contains stem cells that can create new hair, skin, and oil glands.
72 citations
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December 1996 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Human hair follicles can regenerate after removal, but with low success rate.
17 citations
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April 2011 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Flightless I protein affects hair growth, with low levels delaying it and high levels increasing hair length in rodents.