Rhamnose-Mediated Modulation of Hair Follicle Growth: Insights from Chemical Genomics

This study investigates the potential of rhamnose as a therapeutic agent for hair loss by examining its effects on hair follicle growth in C57BL/6 mice and human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). Rhamnose was identified through high-throughput screening as a compound that promotes hair follicle regeneration by enhancing glycolysis and altering gene expression related to energy metabolism. Topical application of rhamnose accelerated the transition into the anagen phase, resulting in significant hair growth and pigmentation. The study observed changes in gene expression, with 3,516 genes upregulated and 4,393 downregulated, affecting processes like cell proliferation and melanin synthesis. These findings suggest that rhamnose could be a promising candidate for developing new treatments for alopecia, although further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms.