High-Throughput Screening of Small Molecule Wnt/β-Catenin Activators for Hair and Nail Growth

March 2026 in “ Communications Biology ”

Gulimila Abudureyimu, Hyung-Suk Jang, Joonho Shim, Minhee Kim, Minjeong Kang, Dongyoun LEE

Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway GSK-3β inhibitors aminoacridine proflavine RSPO3 RSPO4 WIF1 minoxidil Rogaine

Studysummary This study identified nine compounds that activate Wnt signaling, with aminoacridine and proflavine especially promoting hair and nail regeneration in mouse models, highlighting new therapeutic candidates from existing FDA-approved and natural compounds. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study screened 5,170 FDA-approved and natural compounds to identify small molecules that activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, crucial for hair and nail regeneration. Nine compounds were found to significantly enhance Wnt signaling, including antivirals, anticancer agents, and GSK-3β inhibitors. Notably, aminoacridine and proflavine upregulated RSPO3 and RSPO4 while suppressing WIF1. In mice, aminoacridine, especially when combined with minoxidil, showed the strongest hair regrowth, while proflavine and imidocarb promoted nail elongation. These findings suggest new therapeutic candidates for hair and nail regeneration.

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