TLDR MED1 is essential for normal hair growth and maintaining hair follicle stem cells.
The study investigated the role of MED1 in hair follicle stem cells and hair cycling using keratinocyte-specific Med1-null (Med1epi−/−) mice. Med1epi−/− mice initially developed normally but later exhibited spontaneous hair cycling, sparse hair by 6 months, and an inability to enter the anagen phase. These mice also had a thicker and more proliferative interfollicular epidermis, which diminished with age. Flow cytometry showed a reduction in hair follicle bulge stem cells, and there was decreased expression of SOX9, a key gene for stem cell maintenance. The findings suggested that MED1 is crucial for maintaining keratinocyte quiescence and preventing stem cell depletion, thereby ensuring normal hair cycling, and highlighted MED1 as a potential target for treating alopecia.
41 citations,
April 2012 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Deleting MED1 in skin cells causes hair loss and skin changes.
62 citations,
November 2009 in “Aging Cell” Hedgehog signaling helps keep hair follicle stem cells the same in both young and old human skin.
81 citations,
January 2006 in “Journal of cellular physiology” Mice without the vitamin D receptor gene lose hair due to disrupted hair follicle cycles.
20 citations,
July 2005 in “Experimental dermatology” The fuzzy gene is crucial for controlling hair growth cycles.
131 citations,
March 2004 in “The American journal of pathology” Modulating BMP activity changes the number, size, shape, and type of ectodermal organs.
38 citations,
July 2020 in “EMBO journal” SIRT7 protein is crucial for starting hair growth in mice.
August 2014 in “Journal of clinical & experimental dermatology research” Platelet-released growth factors can treat hair loss by activating hair follicle stem cells, blocking certain pathways, and controlling inflammation and fibrosis.
36 citations,
June 2009 in “Nanomedicine” Fullerene nanomaterials help hair grow faster and increase hair follicles.
8 citations,
September 2003 in “Journal of dermatological science” Substance P helps hair grow longer and faster.
236 citations,
July 2001 in “Trends in Molecular Medicine” Future hair loss treatments should aim to extend hair growth, reactivate resting follicles, reverse shrinkage, and possibly create new follicles, with gene therapy showing promise.
