Protein Extraction from Human Anagen Head Hairs 1 Millimeter or Less in Total Length

The study developed an efficient method for extracting proteins from human anagen head hairs as short as 1 mm, crucial for forensic casework with limited sample sizes. Using a single hair from a 33-year-old male, the method identified 63 proteins, with 47 found in both hair shaft and root segments, and 16 exclusively in root segments. Keratins and keratin-associated proteins were the major proteins detected, accounting for 60% of the total proteins. The method avoided sample loss and contamination issues, making it suitable for forensic applications. The research was supported by the National Science Foundation and involved collaboration between the FBI Laboratory and The George Washington University.