Morphogenetic Mechanisms in the Cyclic Regeneration of Hair Follicles and Deer Antlers from Stem Cells

In the 2013 study, researchers compared hair follicles (HFs) and antler units (AUs), finding that despite their differences in size and visibility, both share similarities in their regeneration processes. Both HFs and AUs have permanent and cyclic components, rely on stem-cell-based organogenesis, and undergo cyclic regeneration. Stem cells are located in the permanent part of each organ, while the growth centers are in the temporary part. The regeneration of both HFs and AUs depends on epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, which are facilitated by the destruction of the cyclic part to bring reactive cells close to the stem cell niche. Additionally, both organ developments are influenced by similar hormonal (testosterone) and growth factors (IGF1). The study suggests that researchers in both HF and AU biology could benefit from the findings of this comparison.