Human Scalp Dermal Papilla and Fibrous Sheath Cells have a different expression profile of Matrix Metalloproteinases in vitro when compared to Scalp Dermal Fibroblasts

The study investigated the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors in cells derived from scalp dermal papilla and fibrous sheath, comparing them to scalp dermal fibroblasts. It was found that MMP-2 was activated in all cells grown in three-dimensional collagen lattices, while MMP-9 activation was specific to dermal fibroblasts and weakly present in follicular cells. MMP-1, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and MT1-MMP showed similar expression across all cell types and conditions, but MMP-3 was absent in dermal papilla cells. These findings highlighted differences in MMP expression between dermal papilla and fibrous sheath cells, contributing to the understanding of their distinct roles in hair follicle biology.