Keratin Biomaterials Activate Schwann Cells via Integrin-Mediated Signaling and Promote Regeneration of Large Peripheral Nerve Defects in a Rabbit Model

    April 2009 in “ The FASEB Journal ”
    Paulina Sierpinski, Peter J. Apel, Bernard Tawfik, Tom L. Smith, L. Andrew Koman, Anthony Atala, Mark Van Dyke
    TLDR Keratin biomaterials from human hair help nerve regeneration by activating Schwann cells.
    The study demonstrated that keratin biomaterials, derived from human hair, activated Schwann cells through integrin-mediated signaling and promoted the regeneration of large peripheral nerve defects in a rabbit model. The researchers found that keratins could be effectively separated based on structural criteria, influencing Schwann cell receptor-mediated signaling. Specifically, cells on keratin substrates showed a significant upregulation in integrin αV and an increase in the pMAPK to MAPK ratio. In a rabbit model, keratin gels composed of alpha and gamma keratins significantly improved nerve regeneration, with treated nerves showing better conduction delay and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) compared to controls.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 190 results

      community Keratin microspheres - breakthrough

      in Research/Science  14 upvotes 2 years 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 Can toppik fibers cause hair loss?

      in Chat  1 upvotes 2 years ago
      Toppik fibers causing hair loss is questioned. Applying it may pull out already shed hairs, and user experiences oral minoxidil shedding.

      community Hair progress from a year ago to today

      in Progress Pictures  128 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user shared their daily hair loss treatment routine, which includes 1mg of oral finasteride, 1mg of oral minoxidil, 1ml of castor oil, biotin, collagen, multivitamins, zinc, magnesium, liver supplements, RU58841 every night, and ketoconazole shampoo twice a week. They also mentioned a healthy lifestyle and a past unsuccessful hair transplant, but have experienced hair regrowth and thickening since starting their current regimen.

    Related Research

    1 / 1 results