Hair Follicle Stem Cell Fate Is Dependent on Chromatin Remodeling Capacity Following Low-Dose Radiation

The study investigated the effects of low-dose radiation (LDR) on hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in mice, focusing on chromatin remodeling and DNA repair mechanisms. It found that LDR caused persistent DNA damage and chromatin alterations, leading to premature senescence and differentiation of HFSCs. The ability to remodel chromatin was crucial for HFSC survival and function, with ATM activity playing a significant role in DNA repair. Despite compensatory proliferation maintaining HFSC numbers, the altered stem cell composition could impair long-term tissue functionality and lead to premature aging. Enhancing chromatin remodeling was suggested as a potential strategy to protect HFSCs from radiation-induced damage, with implications for improving hair growth and preventing hair loss in patients undergoing radiation therapy.