Keratin Is Not Only a Structural Protein in Hair: Keratin-Mediated Hair Growth

November 2020 in “ Research Square (Research Square) ”

Seokyung An, Eun Ji Choi, So Yeon Kim, Se Young Van, Hanjun Kim, Jae Hyung Lee, Song Wook Han, Il Keun Kwon, Chul-Kyu Lee, Sun Hee, Yu‐Shik Hwang

keratin intradermal injection outer root sheath cells transforming growth factor-β2 apoptosis dermal papilla cell condensation hair germ formation anagen follicle formation hair regeneration keratin biomaterial TGF-β2 hair growth phase hair follicle development

TLDR Keratin injections in mice can stimulate hair growth and might help treat hair loss.

The pilot study conducted three years ago revealed a new biological function of keratin in hair growth. The researchers found that hair growth was stimulated by the intradermal injection of keratin into mice. The process involved outer root sheath cells undergoing transforming growth factor-β2-induced apoptosis, which resulted in keratin exposure. This exposure was found to be crucial for dermal papilla cell condensation and hair germ formation. When keratin was silenced, it prevented these processes and significantly suppressed anagen follicle formation and hair growth. These findings suggested a new method for initiating hair regeneration and indicated the potential use of keratin biomaterial in treating hair loss.

View this study on researchsquare.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 104 results

community Keratin fibers vs. Gossypium Herbaceum Hair fibers

in Product 1 upvotes 3 months ago

The conversation is about comparing keratin hair fibers to Gossypium Herbaceum hair fibers for diffuse hair loss. The user prefers keratin fibers for their durability and is seeking a bulk purchase option.

community Keratin microspheres - breakthrough

in Research/Science 13 upvotes 9 months ago

A gel of keratin microspheres promotes hair follicle growth, showing similar effectiveness to minoxidil in mice. The treatment activates hair growth pathways and reduces inflammation, with potential applications in drug delivery for hair-related disorders.

community Discussion: Keratin Microsphere Results

in Treatment 31 upvotes 9 months ago

Keratin microspheres may offer additional mechanisms to combat hair loss compared to minoxidil. The process to create these microspheres is relatively simple and can be done at home with basic equipment.

community Keratin fibers helped me to combat the cosmetic effect of hair loss

in Styling 9 upvotes 3 years ago

Hair loss discussion includes treatments like hinoki tree oil and procyanidin b2. Experiences and effectiveness of these treatments are shared.

community Is Biotin or Keratin shampoo better for hair health/growth

in Product 4 upvotes 7 months ago

Biotin and Keratin shampoos are discussed for hair health and growth. Users suggest shampoos alone don't significantly aid hair growth.

community Hair Loss Breakthrough: Keratin Microsphere Gel Initiates Hair Regrowth in Days by Directly Targeting Follicles and Boosting Gene Expression - Gilmore Health News

in Treatment 463 upvotes 9 months ago

A new hair loss treatment involving Keratin Microsphere Gel is discussed, with skepticism and jokes about its effectiveness and comparisons to other treatments. Users are doubtful and make light of the situation, referencing past disappointments and the study's focus on mice.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

research Keratin Is Not Only a Structural Protein in Hair: Keratin-Mediated Hair Growth

November 2020 in “Research Square (Research Square)”

Keratin injections in mice can stimulate hair growth and might help treat hair loss.

research Keratin and Skin Disorders

28 citations, April 1996 in “Cell biology international”

Changes in keratin affect skin health and can lead to skin disorders like blistering diseases and psoriasis.