Proteomic Analysis of Single Hairs

December 2024 in “ Methods in molecular biology ”

Nicole M McLoughlin, Rebecca Tidy, Rebecca J Tidy, Zachary C. Goecker, Robert H. Rice, Joel P. A. Gummer, Ashley M. Spicer, Glendon Parker

proteomic analysis hair shaft structural proteins amino acid sequence genetics toxicology forensics cosmetics ecology

Studysummary This study described a method using sodium dodecanoate and high levels of reductant to process hair shaft proteomes, allowing analysis of genetic, developmental, and forensic information beneficial to various scientific fields.

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The study "Proteomic Analysis of Single Hairs" explores the complex proteome of the hair shaft, which includes structural proteins like keratins and proteins involved in cellular processes before cornification. The hair shaft's proteome provides valuable biological, genetic, and phylogenetic information due to its robust protein matrix. The research highlights the challenges in processing hair samples due to their chemical resilience, requiring specific chemistries to access the proteome without introducing modifications. This analysis is significant for various fields, including genetics, developmental biology, toxicology, forensics, cosmetics, and ecology, offering insights into the biological and chemical properties of hair.

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Research cited in this study

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research Ancient Lineages of the Keratin-Associated Protein (KRTAP) Genes and Their Co-Option in the Evolution of the Hair Follicle

2 citations , March 2023 in “BMC ecology and evolution”

This study suggests that some keratin-associated proteins with antecedents found in non-haired animals may have roles beyond hair characteristics, possibly contributing to the evolution of hair follicles.

research Optimal Processing for Proteomic Genotyping of Single Human Hairs

30 citations , May 2020 in “Forensic Science International Genetics”

This study found that optimizing proteomic genotyping conditions from single human hair samples significantly improves the detection of genetically variant peptides, enhancing human identification with high precision across different biogeographic backgrounds.

research Human Pollution Exposure Correlates With Accelerated Ultrastructural Degradation of Hair Fibers

23 citations , August 2019 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America”

Pollution exposure speeds up hair damage.

research Genetic Hair Disorders: A Review

26 citations , July 2019 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

This article discusses genetic hair disorders in children, outlining diagnostic approaches and highlighting the significance of distinguishing isolated hair defects from those associated with syndromes, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Studies on the Proteome of Human Hair: Identification of Histones and Deamidated Keratins

54 citations , January 2018 in “Scientific reports”

This study used proteomics to identify various proteins in human hair, which may help develop novel biomarkers for hair health, disease, and aging.

research Emerging Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potentials of Human Hair Proteomics

14 citations , September 2017 in “Proteomics. Clinical applications”

This review discusses advancements and gaps in using proteomics for hair testing and its potential in developing a medical proteome repository, but reports no new research findings.

research The Structure of People's Hair

107 citations , October 2014 in “PeerJ”

This study found that while molecular hair structures were nearly identical across individuals, genetic factors seem to influence specific lipid compositions, as seen in identical-patterned hair from parent-child pairs and identical twins, but not fraternal twins.

research Human Hair Shaft Proteomic Profiling: Individual Differences, Site Specificity, And Cuticle Analysis

68 citations , August 2014 in “PeerJ”

This study found that proteomic analysis can distinguish hair samples across different ethnicities and body regions based on keratin protein levels, which may aid forensic hair identification.

research Proteomic Analysis of Hair Shaft and Nail Plate

29 citations , August 2011 in “PubMed”

This study describes how shotgun proteomics can identify over 300 proteins in hair shafts, potentially allowing for the diagnosis of diseases through noninvasive human proteome sampling.

research Proteome Analysis of Human Hair Shaft

122 citations , January 2006 in “Molecular & Cellular Proteomics”

This study found that keratin and other hair proteins in humans are extensively modified posttranslationally, which helps explain the structural characteristics of mature hair.

research Human Hair: A Unique Physicochemical Composite

203 citations , June 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the structure and chemistry of hair across ethnicities and how these factors affect hair properties and treatment responses, but reports no new research findings.

research A Rapid Extraction Procedure of Human Hair Proteins and Identification of Phosphorylated Species

226 citations , January 2002 in “Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin”

This study developed a rapid method to extract proteins from human hair, revealing phosphorylation on serine and threonine residues in alpha-keratins and matrix proteins.