Overexpression of Alkaline Phosphatase Improves the Hair-Inductive Capacity of Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Spheres

July 2019 in “ Journal of Dermatological Science ”

Mi Hee Kwack, Yun Jung Jang, Gong Hee Won, Moon Kyu Kim, Jung Chul Kim, Young Kwan Sung

alkaline phosphatase ALPL dermal papilla cells hair-inductive capacity hair growth Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway hair follicles genetic modification epidermal cells DP cells Wnt signaling

Studysummary This study suggests that 3D spheroid cultivation of dermal papilla cells can restore their hair-inductive capabilities, which are lost in 2D-cultured cells. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study from September 2019 found that overexpressing alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) in human dermal papilla (DP) cells enhances their ability to induce hair growth. DP cells from non-balding individuals were genetically modified to overexpress ALPL, formed into spheres, and implanted into mice along with mouse epidermal cells. The ALPL-modified DP spheres generated significantly more hair follicles (43.3±12.3) than the control group (13.5±8.8). Additionally, the overexpression of ALPL was shown to activate the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, which is crucial for maintaining the hair-inducing properties of DP cells. These results indicate that ALPL is important for hair follicle induction and suggest a potential new approach for treating hair loss by increasing ALPL expression in DP cells.

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This study developed molecular signatures for dermal papilla cells and their niche, uncovering novel signaling regulators and genes linked to hair disorders, which may inform future hair development research.

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This study found that dermal papilla and peribulbar dermal sheath cup cells in mice can both induce hair follicle formation, suggesting they may have similar functional roles in hair growth.