MAD2B Acts as a Negative Regulatory Partner of TCF4 on Proliferation in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

The 2017 study investigated the role of the protein MAD2B in the growth and proliferation of dermal papilla cells (DPCs), which are crucial for hair follicle development. The researchers found that overexpression of MAD2B inhibited the growth and proliferation of DPCs and decreased the expression and release of hair growth-related cytokines. Conversely, when MAD2B was suppressed, DPC proliferation increased. The study concluded that MAD2B negatively regulates DPC growth and proliferation by interacting with TCF4 and repressing its transcriptional activity via β-catenin mediation. This leads to reduced β-catenin/TCF4-dependent transactivation and Wnt signaling activity. This was the first time MAD2B was shown to play a negative role in TCF4-induced DPC growth and proliferation. The study also suggested that targeting MAD2B could be a potential therapeutic strategy against alopecia.