Immunolocalization of junctional proteins in human hairs indicates that the membrane complex stabilizes the inner root sheath while desmosomes contact the companion layer through specific keratins

January 2013 in “ Acta Histochemica ”

Lorenzo Alibardi, Noecker Bernd

inner root sheath desmosomes desmoglein plakophilin keratins transglutaminases isopeptide cross-linking hair bulb keratogenous zone

TLDR Junctional proteins stabilize the inner root sheath and connect the companion layer in human hair.

The study investigated the immunolocalization of junctional proteins in the inner root sheath (IRS) of human hair follicles, focusing on the role of desmosomes and other cell junctions in maintaining the structural integrity of the IRS. The research found that desmosomal proteins, such as desmoglein and plakophilin, were initially present in all cells of the hair bulb but disappeared in the keratogenous zone. The study highlighted the importance of these proteins in stabilizing the IRS and facilitating the movement of the hair shaft. The presence of isopeptide cross-linking in IRS cells indicated that transglutaminases formed numerous bonds with the main proteins of the IRS, contributing to the cohesion and stability of the hair structure. The research involved hairs from three individuals, providing insights into the complex interactions between cell junctions and keratins in hair follicle biology.

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