Matriptase Expression and Zymogen Activation in Human Pilosebaceous Unit
TLDR Matriptase is highly active in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, especially during hair growth phases.
The study investigated the expression and activation of matriptase, a serine protease, in human hair follicles and sebaceous glands, finding it highly expressed in proliferative cells and activated in specific regions like the hair bulb and outer root sheath. Matriptase's role in cell proliferation and differentiation was highlighted, with its activity regulated by the inhibitor HAI-1. The matriptase-HGF-c-MET pathway was suggested to be crucial for hair follicle growth and function. Differences in matriptase expression between humans and rodents were noted, potentially explaining phenotypic differences in related conditions. The study concluded that matriptase is essential for early hair growth stages and maintaining the stem cell niche.
