Progressive Alopecia Reveals Decreasing Stem Cell Activation Probability During Aging of Mice with Epidermal Deletion of DNA Methyltransferase 1

    July 2012 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”
    Ji Li, Ting Jiang, Michael W. Hughes, Ping Wu, Randall B. Widelitz, Guoping Fan, Cheng Ming Chuong
    Image of study
    TLDR Mice lacking a key DNA methylation enzyme in skin cells have a lower chance of activating stem cells necessary for hair growth, leading to progressive hair loss.
    The study focused on the effects of DNA methylation on hair follicle stem cell aging by examining mice with a targeted deletion of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in epidermal cells. These mice developed progressive alopecia as they aged, characterized by a significant loss of hair fibers and follicles, with many remaining in the telogen phase. The mutant mice showed decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis in hair follicle cells, along with a reduced number of label-retaining cells in the stem cell region, indicating a diminished capacity to maintain progenitor stem cells. Despite a similar number of K15-positive stem cells in the mutant and wild-type mice, the mutant stem cells had a lower activation probability to form new hair germs, leading to fewer successfully formed hair filaments and some follicle degeneration over time. The study concluded that DNMT1 is essential for the regulation of hair follicle cell proliferation and apoptosis, and its reduction disrupts homeostasis, resulting in progressive alopecia. Quantitative data included a comparison of BrdU-positive cells in different hair follicle regions between wild-type and mutant mice, showing a significant reduction in the mutants.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    10 / 10 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Androgenic alopecia exclusively on the vertex of the scalp

      in Chat  6 upvotes 4 months ago
      A user experienced androgenic alopecia starting at the vertex without frontal hairline recession and is seeking information on this pattern. Another user noted that vertex or diffuse hair loss is common among men.

      community DNA Testing by Roots by Genetic Arts

      in Research/Science  3 upvotes 7 months ago
      A user shared their positive experience with Roots by GA, a company that creates personalized hair loss treatments based on DNA analysis, which confirmed their inability to tolerate finasteride. The user is satisfied with their progress 30 days after a hair transplant and the customized formula they received.

      community A concise, easy-to-understand post on Androgenic Alopecia theory and its practical applications

      in Research/Science  92 upvotes 2 years ago
      The mechanism of Androgenic Alopecia and practical applications of treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, dermarolling, scalp massages, anti-fungals, progesterone, estrogen, PPAR-γ activators, reducing oxidative stress, and scalp exercises. It explains why DHT is important in AA and how other factors might be involved such as hypoxia, increased DKK-1 expression, morphological changes to the scalp, skull growth during childhood/puberty, and blood flow.

      community Why is human evolution like this 😂

      in Chat 2 years ago
      Why androgenic alopecia affects the scalp rather than other body parts, potential explanations for this phenomenon, treatments available to combat hair loss, and the implications of male attractiveness in modern society.

      community Looks like a real cure to the root of baldness (DHT-induced senescence) was proven earlier this year

      in Research/Science  743 upvotes 1 year ago
      A study that outlines the full model for androgenic alopecia (AGA) which links DHT to cellular senescence in dermal papilla cells, and suggests black chokeberry as a source of cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside polyphenol with potential anti-oxidant properties that could reverse this process. The post encourages reaching out to experts in anti-aging and longevity to research treatments involving the polyphenol.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results