Direct Reprogramming of Human Fibroblasts Into Hair-Inducing Dermal Papilla Cell-Like Cells by a Single Small Molecule

The study investigates a new method to combat hair loss by transforming human fibroblasts into hair-inducing dermal papilla cell-like cells (DPC-LCs) using the small molecule peficitinib. Out of 1,817 FDA-approved compounds screened, peficitinib was found effective in converting fibroblasts from human foreskin and scalp into DPC-LCs. These reprogrammed cells were capable of inducing hair growth and exhibited a molecular profile similar to primary dermal papilla cells. Transcriptome analysis showed that important signaling pathways for hair follicle development, such as Wnt and TGF-β, were enriched in these cells. This method could provide a significant supply of hair-inducing cells, potentially improving treatments for hair loss.