Kartogenin Regulates Hair Growth and Hair Cycling Transition

The research paper "Kartogenin regulates hair growth and hair cycling transition" studied the effects of kartogenin, a heterocyclic compound, on hair growth and hair cycle regulation. The study found that kartogenin enhances the growth and migration of primary human outer root sheath cells (ORSCs) and reduces the expression of TGF-β2/Smad signaling molecules, which are known to inhibit hair growth. In mice, kartogenin injections delayed the catagen phase (hair follicle regression phase) and resulted in longer regenerated hair. The study, which involved 15 human participants and a group of mice, suggests that kartogenin could be a potential new treatment for hair loss by extending the growth phase and promoting hair regeneration.