Premature Senescence of Balding Dermal Papilla Cells In Vitro Is Associated With p16INK4a Expression
November 2007
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
TLDR Balding cells age faster due to stress, suggesting stress-targeting treatments for hair loss.
The study investigated androgenetic alopecia (AGA) by comparing dermal papilla cells (DPC) from balding and non-balding scalps, involving over 20 patients. It found that balding DPC grew slower and underwent premature senescence due to environmental stress, not replicative lifespan, as shown by increased expression of p16INK4a and absence of p53. Balding DPC also had higher markers of oxidative stress and DNA damage, such as heat shock protein-27. These findings suggested that balding DPC were more sensitive to environmental stress, indicating potential therapeutic strategies for AGA by targeting stress pathways.
