Nε-(Carboxymethyl) Lysine Represses Hair Follicle Formation by Inhibiting Sonic Hedgehog Expression in a NF-κB-Independent Manner

This study investigated the effects of Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML), an advanced glycation end product, on hair follicle formation. By intradermally injecting CML to mimic glycation accumulation, researchers observed weakened hair shaft and hair follicle formation. The study found that CML inhibited the proliferation and migration of dermal papilla cells (DPC), crucial for hair follicle morphogenesis, by suppressing the expression of sonic hedgehog (Shh), a key factor in tissue morphogenesis, in a manner independent of NF-kB. These findings suggested that CML delayed hair follicle formation by affecting DPC function through Shh inhibition.