TLDR Human skin cells contain Protease Nexin-1, and male hormones can decrease its levels, potentially affecting hair growth.
In 1999, researchers discovered that Protease Nexin-1 (PN-1) mRNA is present in human dermal papilla cells and that its levels are significantly reduced by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in cells from balding scalp, but not from other scalp or beard areas. This reduction could be reversed by cyproterone acetate, an antiandrogen. The study, which included skin samples from 12 male patients aged 21-63, suggests that PN-1 may play a role in hair growth regulation and that its downregulation by androgens could contribute to male-pattern baldness. The consistency of the results was confirmed through multiple testing methods on DPCs from a single donor.
29 citations,
July 1993 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Hair follicle development involves complex interactions between skin layers and cells, but many details are still unknown.
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.
March 1998 in “Journal of dermatological science” Protease Nexin-1 is found in human hair growth cells and is affected by male hormones.
29 citations,
January 2021 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Fat under the skin releases HGF which helps hair grow and gain color.
131 citations,
July 2009 in “Experimental Dermatology” The document concludes that specific cells are essential for hair growth and more research is needed to understand how to maintain their hair-inducing properties.
14 citations,
October 2000 in “Genomics” Rat dermal papilla cells have unique genes crucial for hair growth.
10 citations,
June 2005 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” FP-1 is a key protein in rat hair growth, active only during the growth phase.
