TLDR Hair follicle development involves complex interactions between skin layers and cells, but many details are still unknown.
The document discussed the process of hair follicle development, emphasizing the critical interactions between the fetal epidermis and specialized dermal cells. It highlighted that hair follicles are part of a composite structure involving mesenchymal cells, a basement membrane, and a fibrous sheath. The study of follicle morphogenesis provided insights into similar processes in other organs and structures. The research aimed to move beyond descriptive studies to understand the molecular and physical signals that initiate and regulate follicle development, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and maintenance. However, many questions about the specific stages and regions of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions remained unanswered.
745 citations,
February 1992 in “Trends in genetics” Hair follicles create different cell layers and proteins, controlled by various molecules.
45 citations,
December 1991 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences” ECM molecules are crucial for hair growth and development.
68 citations,
December 1991 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences” Hair growth can be induced by certain cells found at the base of hair follicles, and these cells may also influence hair development and regeneration.
44 citations,
December 1991 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences” EGF and FGF help hair growth by affecting cell differentiation and fiber growth.
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.
January 2024 in “ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering” A new method using a microfluidic device can prepare hair follicle germs efficiently for potential use in hair loss treatments.
1 citations,
July 2016 in “Elsevier eBooks” Understanding skin structure and development helps diagnose and treat skin disorders.
17 citations,
January 1997 in “Cell and Tissue Research” Scientists developed a method to grow human fetal skin and digits in a lab for 3-4 weeks, which could help study skin features and understand genetic interactions in tissue formation.
14 citations,
June 2022 in “BMC genomics” Key genes crucial for sheep hair follicle development were identified, aiding fine wool breeding and human hair loss research.