Analyses of Regenerative Wave Patterns in Adult Hair Follicle Populations Reveal Macro-Environmental Regulation of Stem Cell Activity

The study analyzed regenerative wave patterns in adult hair follicle populations and found that macro-environmental factors, particularly bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, played a crucial role in regulating stem cell activity and hair follicle cycling. It identified oscillations in BMP signaling as key regulators, with BMP proteins influencing the transition between different hair cycle phases. Experiments with transgenic mice and BMP-coated beads confirmed BMP's role in inhibiting hair wave propagation and modulating hair cycle behavior. These findings suggested new therapeutic targets for treating hair loss and promoting hair growth by considering both local and macro-environmental influences on stem cell regulation.