Reconstructing Protein Conformations to Activate Follicular Enzyme-Nutrient Reservoirs for Reversing Follicle Aging
May 2026
in “
Bioactive Materials
”
Zn 2+ /Cu 2+ -doped decellularized extracellular matrix microneedle patch dECMMA Zn/Cu degenerative alopecia Zn 2+ /Cu 2+ -dependent proteases LOX SOD1 p16 cellular senescence stem cell proliferation hair follicle numbers hair regeneration protein conformation enzymatic reservoir follicular niche zinc and copper microneedle patch extracellular matrix patch hair loss lysyl oxidase superoxide dismutase 1 cell aging stem cells hair growth protein structure enzyme storage hair follicle environment
Studysummary This study reported that in degenerative alopecia, Zn²⁺/Cu²⁺-dependent proteases are downregulated and destabilized, and a specially developed microneedle patch reactivated these enzymes, reduced senescence, and enhanced hair regeneration in an animal model.
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This study introduces a Zn 2+ /Cu 2+ -doped decellularized extracellular matrix microneedle patch (dECMMA Zn/Cu) designed to restore the enzymatic reservoir and improve follicular function in degenerative alopecia. The research highlights that Zn 2+ /Cu 2+ -dependent proteases, such as LOX and SOD1, are downregulated and destabilized in alopecia, impairing hair regeneration. The microneedle patch effectively upregulated these proteases, reduced p16 expression, inhibited cellular senescence, and promoted stem cell proliferation. In an animal model, the treatment increased hair follicle numbers and enhanced hair regeneration by remodeling protein conformation and reestablishing the enzymatic reservoir, offering a novel approach to rejuvenating the follicular niche.
