Survivin in the Human Hair Follicle

The study demonstrated that survivin, a protein involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis inhibition, was expressed in the proliferating keratinocytes of anagen hair follicles and decreased during the catagen phase. This expression was regulated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Survivin's dual role suggested its importance in the hair cycle's anagen and catagen phases. Using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry on scalp skin from five individuals, the study found that inhibiting survivin transcription reduced hair growth and increased apoptosis in hair follicle cells.