Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Promote Scalp Rejuvenation Through Type XVII Collagen Regulation Via the miR-21-5p/DKK2/Wnt Pathway

    April 2026 in “ Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology ”
    Shiyue Cui, Yuanyuan Huang, Duo Zeng … Chun Tang
    Studysummary This study found that exosomes from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells reduced hair follicle aging and promoted hair regeneration in models by upregulating COL17A1 through the miR-21-5p/DKK2/Wnt/β-catenin axis, outperforming existing treatments like minoxidil.
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    Research cited in this study 19

    1. Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treating Female Hair Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Skin Research and Technology · 2024
    2. Revision for Unsatisfactory Outcomes of Scalp Micropigmentation International Journal of Dermatology · 2024
    3. Clinical Applications of Exosomes in Cosmetic Dermatology Skin health and disease · 2024
    4. Dickkopf-Related Protein 2 Promotes Hair Growth by Upregulating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Human Dermal Papilla Cells Annals of Dermatology · 2024
    5. Combating Aging in Dermal Papilla Cells and Promoting Hair Follicle Regeneration Using Exosomes from Human Hair Follicle Dermal Sheath Cup Cells Experimental Dermatology · 2023
    6. Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosomes Antagonize the Inhibitory Effect of Dihydrotestosterone on Hair Follicle Growth by Activating Wnt/Beta-Catenin Pathway Stem Cells International · 2023
    7. Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Exosomes Carrying MiR-122-5p Antagonize the Inhibitory Effect of Dihydrotestosterone on Hair Follicles by Targeting the TGF-β1/SMAD3 Signaling Pathway International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2023
    8. Exosome Therapy in Hair Regeneration: A Literature Review of the Evidence, Challenges, and Future Opportunities Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2022
    9. Beta-Catenin Signaling Evokes Hair Follicle Senescence by Accelerating the Differentiation of Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Progenitors Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology · 2022
    10. Potential of Colostrum-Derived Exosomes for Promoting Hair Regeneration Through the Transition from Telogen to Anagen Phase Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology · 2022
    11. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling: Function, Biological Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Opportunities Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy · 2022
    12. Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosomes Promoted Hair Regeneration Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine · 2021
    13. Minoxidil: A Comprehensive Review Journal of Dermatological Treatment · 2021
    14. MiR-140-5p in Small Extracellular Vesicles From Human Papilla Cells Stimulates Hair Growth by Promoting Proliferation of Outer Root Sheath and Hair Matrix Cells Frontiers in cell and developmental biology · 2020
    15. Dermal Exosomes Containing miR-218-5p Promote Hair Regeneration by Regulating β-Catenin Signaling Science Advances · 2020
    16. Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway for Developing Therapies for Hair Loss International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2020
    17. Type XVII Collagen Coordinates Proliferation in the Interfollicular Epidermis eLife · 2017
    18. Hair Follicle Aging Is Driven by Transepidermal Elimination of Stem Cells via COL17A1 Proteolysis Science · 2016
    19. Human Hair Follicle Organ Culture: Theory, Application, and Perspectives Experimental Dermatology · 2015