The Arrector Pili Muscle: The Bridge Between the Follicular Stem Cell Niche and the Interfollicular Epidermis

July 2016 in “ Anatomical Science International ”

Niloufar Torkamani, Nicholas W Rufaut, Leslie Jones, Rodney Sinclair

arrector pili muscle hair follicle androgenetic alopecia phalloidin staining bulge stem cell niche follicular unit hair follicle morphogenesis wound healing APM AGA

Studysummary This study revealed that in androgenic alopecia, the proximal attachment of the arrector pili muscle to the hair follicle is often lost or significantly reduced.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study investigated the arrector pili muscle (APM) and its connection to hair follicle function and hair loss, particularly in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Using phalloidin staining, the researchers visualized the APM's anatomy and found it to have a complex "C"-shaped structure with extensive branching, which is shared between follicles within a follicular unit. In 8 patients with AGA, the APM's attachment to the bulge, a stem cell niche, was either lost or miniaturized, suggesting its importance in maintaining follicular integrity. The study suggests that the APM plays a role in hair follicle morphogenesis, renewal, and possibly in wound healing by activating bulge stem cells. The authors recommend further research to explore the APM's molecular composition and its role in hair loss and wound healing.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

Morphological and Morphometric Study of the Androgenetic Alopecic Scalp Using Two- and Three-Dimensional Analysis Comparing Regional Differences

research Morphological and Morphometric Study of the Androgenetic Alopecic Scalp Using Two- and Three-Dimensional Analysis Comparing Regional Differences

9 citations , June 2014 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

The study found that balding scalps have more thin hairs and larger oil glands, which might contribute to skin conditions related to hair loss.

research Destruction of the Arrector Pili Muscle and Fat Infiltration in Androgenic Alopecia

35 citations , March 2014 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that in androgenic alopecia, the arrector pili muscle degenerates and is replaced by fat, unlike in normal skin or telogen effluvium.

research Beyond Goosebumps: Does the Arrector Pili Muscle Have a Role in Hair Loss?

31 citations , January 2014 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This review summarizes the anatomy and physiology of the arrector pili muscle and discusses its potential role in hair loss disorders, reporting no new clinical results.

Miniaturized Hairs Maintain Contact With the Arrector Pili Muscle in Alopecia Areata but Not in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Model for Reversible Miniaturization and Potential for Hair Regrowth

research Miniaturized Hairs Maintain Contact With the Arrector Pili Muscle in Alopecia Areata but Not in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Model for Reversible Miniaturization and Potential for Hair Regrowth

22 citations , July 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that loss of contact between the arrector pili muscle and the hair follicle bulge may explain why hair loss in male and female pattern baldness is largely irreversible, unlike in alopecia areata.

research Fully Functional Hair Follicle Regeneration Through the Rearrangement of Stem Cells and Their Niches

179 citations , April 2012 in “Nature Communications”

This study demonstrates the potential of using bioengineered follicles from adult tissue-derived stem cells for fully functional hair regeneration, illustrating possible applications in organ replacement therapy.

Advances in the Study of Stem-Cell-Enriched Hair Follicle Bulge Cells: A Review Featuring Characterization and Isolation of Human Bulge Cells

research Advances in the Study of Stem-Cell-Enriched Hair Follicle Bulge Cells: A Review Featuring Characterization and Isolation of Human Bulge Cells

16 citations , January 2007 in “Dermatology”

This review summarizes recent progress in human hair follicle bulge cell research, particularly the characterization and isolation of these stem cells, but reports no new experimental results.

research Morphogenesis and Renewal of Hair Follicles from Adult Multipotent Stem Cells

949 citations , January 2001 in “Cell”

This study demonstrated that multipotent stem cells in adult mice whisker follicles migrate to produce whisker growth, and that this process requires precise control of stem cell trafficking.

research The Microanatomy of the Distal Arrector Pili: Possible Role for α1β1 and α5β1 Integrins in Mediating Cell-Cell Adhesion and Anchorage to the Extracellular Matrix

15 citations , February 2000 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology”

This study suggests that the anchorage of the arrector pili muscle to the extracellular matrix is likely mediated by α5β1 integrin, with α1β1 integrin involved in muscle cell-cell adhesion.