TLDR The skin's basement membrane is specially designed to support different types of connections between skin layers and hair follicles.
The study investigated the role of the basement membrane (BM) in inter-tissue interactions, focusing on mouse hair follicles. Researchers used quantitative transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry to determine the cellular origin, molecular identity, and distribution of extracellular matrix molecules. They discovered that the BM's composition and architecture are highly specialized for different types of interactions, such as those between the epidermis and fibroblasts, muscles, and nerves. Specifically, the study found an asymmetric organization of the BM at the hair germ–dermal papilla interface, with side-specific heterogeneity characterized by distinct interface, hook, and mesh BMs. Laminin α5, a component of these BMs, was identified as essential for the structural and functional integrity of the hair germ–dermal papilla interactions. This research underscores the importance of BM heterogeneity in facilitating various inter-tissue interactions.
23 citations,
November 2018 in “Development, Growth & Differentiation” Epidermal stem cells have various roles in skin beyond just maintenance, including forming specialized structures and aiding in skin repair and regeneration.
214 citations,
April 2017 in “Cell” Different small areas within hair follicles send specific signals that control what type of cells stem cells become.
242 citations,
February 2016 in “Science” Hair loss and aging are caused by the breakdown of a key protein in hair stem cells.
106 citations,
February 2014 in “eLife” Lanceolate complexes in mouse hair follicles are essential for touch and depend on specific cells for maintenance and regeneration.
133 citations,
September 2013 in “Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology” Different types of stem cells and their environments are key to skin repair and maintenance.
300 citations,
August 2012 in “Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology” The conclusion is that certain cell interactions and signals are crucial for hair growth and regeneration.
207 citations,
March 2012 in “Development” Skin needs dermal β-catenin activity for hair growth and skin cell multiplication.
321 citations,
January 2012 in “Cell stem cell” TGF-β2 helps activate hair follicle stem cells by counteracting BMP signals.
396 citations,
May 2011 in “Cell stem cell” Nerve signals are crucial for hair follicle stem cells to become skin stem cells and help in wound healing.
102 citations,
August 2008 in “Genes & Development” Laminin-511 is crucial for early hair growth and maintaining important hair development signals.
127 citations,
December 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Mice hair growth patterns get more complex with age and can change with events like pregnancy or injury.
January 2022 in “Journal of St. Marianna University” Substances from human hair cells can affect hair loss-related genes, potentially leading to new treatments for baldness.
15 citations,
April 2014 in “Experimental Dermatology” Scientists developed a system to study human hair growth using skin cells, which could help understand hair development and improve skin substitutes for medical use.
321 citations,
December 2009 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” Dermal cells are key in controlling hair growth and could potentially be used in hair loss treatments, but more research is needed to improve hair regeneration methods.
January 2003 in “Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery” Dermal papilla cells can help form hair follicles and produce hair.
66 citations,
August 2001 in “Experimental Dermatology” Human hair follicle cells can grow hair when put into mouse skin if they stay in contact with mouse cells.
57 citations,
November 1998 in “Wound Repair and Regeneration” Hair papilla cells can create and regenerate hair bulbs under the right conditions.
